The new issue of Children in Scotland magazine features an exclusiveinterview with First Minister Jack McConnell.
Marking the introduction of the smoking ban on 26 March, he toldChildren in Scotland that local authorities could be encouraged toextend the ban to cover external areas used by children.
He was struck by the support for the measure among young people, andwants to make "being fitter and eating healthier" a priority forScotland's children. "We have encouraged local authorities to considerthe benefits of introducing smoke-free policies in external areas wherechildren and young people go, like school playgrounds and parks," hesaid. "This will help to discourage children from being influenced bywhat they may see as an adult activity."
- To order the magazine go to www.childreninscotland.org.uk/cis
FLYING START INITIATIVE FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
The Welsh Assembly Government has consulted on its strategy to providefunding for early years services in disadvantaged areas.
The programme is to target children who live in the catchment areas ofparticular infant and primary schools, chosen according to their levelsof eligibility for free school meals. Proposals will include freepart-time childcare for two-year-olds; increased health visitor support;parenting programmes; and extension of the Books for Babies and theLanguage and Play Schemes. Children in Wales held consultation eventsits their members in January and February where key elements within theFlying Start document were discussed.
- A report of the response is now available atwww.childreninwales.org.uk
- NCB (England and Northern Ireland) works in partnership with Childrenin Scotland and Children in Wales. For further information visitwww.childreninscotland.org.uk (0131 228 8484) orwww.childreninwales.org.uk (029 2034 2434).
