Children's Plan proposals get warm response
Tom Lloyd
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Children and youth organisations have broadly welcomed the sentiments in the government Children's Plan, but have warned that its implementation will be critical.
The government has promised to invest £1bn in children and youth services over the next three years to make the aspirations in the strategy a reality.
Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said: “The pledge to make ‘Britain the best place in the world for children to grow up’ is exactly the right ambition for us to set for our society.”
His comments were echoed by the children’s commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green.
He added: “We hope to see the plan implemented in full and look forward to working with government, families and organisations to see this vision become reality by 2020.”
Several charities and unions warned that workforce reform will also be essential if the plan is to be a success.
Dame Mary Marsh, director of charity NSPCC, said: “There must be adequate training and support for professionals such as teachers, school nurses and youth workers so they can recognise and respond to signs of abuse.”
And Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: “For too long teachers have been left with little help to deal with the low esteem and poor behaviour of children who have been damaged by fractured home lives, poor parenting, and poverty.”
For more details of the main announcements in the Children’s Plan, visit the Big Issues page
