Children’s Plan sets out ‘world class ambitions’ for England

The new Department of Children, Schools and Families has launched a long term plan to improve schools and introduce a step-change in the way parents and families are supported. Measures include free childcare for two-year-olds from deprived areas and an overhaul of primary education curriculum for all.

Announcing the 10-year plan, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, said that both parents and children reckon investing in activities, facilities and parks for children and young people is among the most important things Government could do to keep children happy, healthy and safe from harm

Among the key points:

  • play spaces for “tween-agers” (aged eight–13) with £225 million to build or upgrade 3,500 community playgrounds and set up 30 new supervised adventure playgrounds
  • an end to the “no ball games” culture, returning play to public spaces
  • £160 million to create positive activities for young people in sport, drama and art
  • free childcare for 20,000 two-year-olds from disadvantaged families
  • “stage not age” testing in schools, possibly ending the key stage tests in 2009 if pilot results warrant it
  • review of primary curriculum, with more emphasis on maths and English, and time for a foreign language
  • more help at school for summer-born children
  • review of CAMHS
  • review of sex education
  • better contact between schools and parents
  • parents’ council in every secondary school
  • public services to engage both the father and mother in decisions about their child
  • better support for parents and children in family breakdowns
  • more help for children with special educational needs
  • new forms of teaching for excluded children, including piloting “studio schools” for work-based learning and vocational training
  • all new teachers able to study for a masters degree
  • opening facilities to the wider community where possible via basing health, CAHMS, social care and welfare on school sites.

The Government will also bring forward proposals this spring following a review of the relationship between media advertising and issues such as childhood obesity and under-age drinking.

Download the Children’s Plan at: www.dcsf.gov.uk or order a hard copy on 0870 000 2288, quoting reference 105.