The Children’s Plan in aiming higher:
"To make England the best place in the world for
children and young people to grow up."
Ed Balls Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
Phew! That's a bit steep Ed. But I admire the sentiment.
We have come a VERY long way in the last 10 years or so. If we continue to put our house in order at the same rate over the next 10 years, who knows, England may be the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up - especially if we get some more sunshine.
You can find the whole Children’s Plan and the consultation summary: Children's Plan Building brighter futures on the DCSF website but here is a taste of it:
The government believes that it is parents who bring up children - not the government. Who can argue with that? They also believe in the potential of all children to succeed and their need to enjoy childhood. Another foundational principle is their notion that services for children should be shaped by and responsive to children. We have been consulting with children for some years now, although there are still some people who can't see how researching with children has any value whatsoever. Personally I think children know their own minds and we adults can learn from them.
So, what is The Children’s Plan?
Basically it is a 10 year plan of what is needed to make England the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up in. The Plan is divided into sections:
1. Happy and healthy
Secure the wellbeing and health of children and young
2. Safe and Sound
Safeguard the young and vulnerable
3. Excellence and equity
Individual progress to achieve world class standards and close the gap in educational achievement for disadvantaged children
4. Leadership and collaboration
System reform to achieve world class standards and close the gap in educational achievement for disadvantaged children
5. Staying on
Ensure that young people are participating and achieving their potential to 18 and beyond
6. On the right track
Keeping children and young people on the path to success
7. Making it happen
Vision for 21st century children’s services
You can find the full Children's Plan and Children's Plan: Building a Brighter Future on the DCSF website. | 
