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2 July 2021

Welcome Dame Rachel de Souza

The new children’s commissioner took up her post at the beginning of March with a promise to listen. Noting that the scale of the challenge will be like reconstructing the social security system in the wake of WW2, she pledged to listen to children via “The Big Ask” and to launch the Childhood Commission, a once-in-a-lifetime review of childhood
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The new children’s commissioner took up her post at the beginning of March with a promise to listen. Noting that the scale of the challenge will be like reconstructing the social security system in the wake of WW2, she pledged to listen to children via “The Big Ask” and to launch the Childhood Commission, a once-in-a-lifetime review of childhood

To quote Dame de Souza: “I want to see childhood right at the top of the Government agenda. That means every speech from the Prime Minister and Chancellor mentioning children, and every Government department constantly pushing to improve the lives of children.”

This strong voice for children at Cabinet level would work in the same way that the interests of women are served by the current Cabinet Minister for Women and Equalities. Similarly, a Minister for Loneliness at Cabinet level has been in post since July 2018.

Such a senior position will:

  • Champion the importance of our children and young people
  • Improve their physical and mental health
  • Push equality and inclusiveness
  • Inspire the potential of the next generations
  • Press policy-makers to put children and young people at the heart of all decision-making
Why is a Cabinet Minister for Children & Young People needed?

As Ofsted Head, Amanda Spielman categorises, children are either ‘born lucky’ or face ‘disadvantage right from the start’ unable to follow what’s actually going on. Unable to keep up with their classmates. Unable to reach their full potential.

They are menaced by five 21st century ‘evils’:

  • obesity and physical inactivity
  • adverse childhood experiences
  • rising mental health issues
  • rising mental health issues
  • dominance of social media and screen time influence
  • socioeconomic disadvantage and cultural/ethnic divide

We look forward to working with fellow organisations to improve the welfare of children & young people in our great country. The health and well-being of our children and young people is being challenged as never before. Without urgent action, our children will become the least healthy adult population in living memory. We now have somebody at the highest level of Government to take responsibility and drive improvements.

More initiatives

Other exciting things are happening as well! Check out what’s going on in other news at Children’s Alliance.

COMMUNITY

Community outreach initiatives

The heart of our work, though, is done within our communities where we will deliver activities that directly impact children’s health and wellbeing. We commit to free swimming lessons and swim nappies for children who need them, online learning to teach valuable life skills for parents and children, and envisage water splash areas to encourage play as well as water confidence and safety.