CYP Now - Opinion: Ripples from the reshuffle will hit the sector

With all the fuss about the ministerial reshuffle it was easy to forget that the most crucial appointment was pencilled in long before polling day. As the champion of the Government's drive to tackle child poverty, Gordon Brown's continued tenure at HM Treasury will ensure that children's issues remain at the top of the political agenda, at least for the time being.

Nevertheless, the reshuffle also suggests change is ahead. Firstly, Andrew Adonis's appointment as a junior education minister was a signal the Prime Minister wants to introduce more competition and diversity into the school system. The drive to increase the number of specialist schools and city academies looks likely to accelerate; other priorities could be left behind.

Secondly, Patricia Hewitt's appointment as Secretary of State for Health is good news for those working in social care. Her record suggests that she will pay closer attention to their concerns than previous incumbents.

With only one in four children's services director posts currently going to social care professionals, the sector will be looking to Hewitt to ensure that it is not squeezed out of the new children's agenda.

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