Gove hails 'inspiring' workforce at CYP Now Awards
Friday, November 19, 2010
Education Secretary Michael Gove has paid tribute to all those who work with children, young people and families at the 2010 CYP Now Awards.
In his keynote speech at the awards on Thursday evening, Gove described the 700-strong audience as "some of the most inspiring, idealistic and impressive people in the country".
He said: "For many of you, your time and energy is spent with children and young people who are often vulnerable and sometimes voiceless and who can be forgotten."
He also said: "The awards that are being given tonight are more than just recognition of the fantastic effort that individuals have put in over the past 12 months and beyond. They are also a way of ensuring that across the country we have a renewed call to action."
Gove also drew attention to the importance of heeding the voice of children: "Let’s above all make sure that the voices of children, and the experience of young people, is there at the heart of government when big decisions are taken."
And there was some encouragement for Maggie Atkinson when he said: "Let’s ensure that when the children’s commissioner speaks, we pay heed to her words." John Dunford is due to submit his review of the office, role and functions of the children’s commissioner at the end of November.
He concluded: "It is a pleasure and privilege to be invited to be able to speak to you this evening and it’s a pleasure to be able to salute what Children & Young People Now have been doing in order to applaud you for all the wonderful work that you do."
He said: "For many of you, your time and energy is spent with children and young people who are often vulnerable and sometimes voiceless and who can be forgotten."
He also said: "The awards that are being given tonight are more than just recognition of the fantastic effort that individuals have put in over the past 12 months and beyond. They are also a way of ensuring that across the country we have a renewed call to action."
Gove also drew attention to the importance of heeding the voice of children: "Let’s above all make sure that the voices of children, and the experience of young people, is there at the heart of government when big decisions are taken."
And there was some encouragement for Maggie Atkinson when he said: "Let’s ensure that when the children’s commissioner speaks, we pay heed to her words." John Dunford is due to submit his review of the office, role and functions of the children’s commissioner at the end of November.
He concluded: "It is a pleasure and privilege to be invited to be able to speak to you this evening and it’s a pleasure to be able to salute what Children & Young People Now have been doing in order to applaud you for all the wonderful work that you do."
