CYP Now - Opinion: Vox pop - Should we view ourselves as children's professionals?

The government wants to get all those working with children and young people to start thinking of themselves primarily as children's professionals (CYP Now, 27 February-4 March). But how will workers respond to this shift?

YES - Jasmine Ali, head of centre for children's services, Children's Services Network

Even with Every Child Matters we still see problems with professionals not working together effectively. A children's workforce with a common core of skills and knowledge is key to challenging this culture and forcing us to think and work collaboratively.

But we have to make sure this workforce isn't isolated from the agenda being pursued by local authorities. It should be fully integrated into initiatives that are designed and delivered locally, through partnerships that deliver innovative, cross-cutting projects. Children should be at the centre of neighbourhood initiatives.

NO - John Bangs, head of education, National Union of Teachers

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