Policy Hub
On 11 December 2007, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) published a report (The children's plan) which sets out the government's 10-year children's plan, and includes a 'root-and-branch' review of English primary school education, with the aim of placing greater emphasis on English and Maths, while all new schools will be carbon neutral by 2016. The blueprint also contains a pledge for every secondary school pupil to have a personal mentor and proposals for parent-run school councils and a national panel of parents to advise ministers as part of efforts to join up and improve the school and home experiences of children.
The plan includes proposals to extend free childcare to 20,000 two-year-olds in disadvantaged areas in addition to the increase in free childcare for three to four-year olds from 12 to 15 hours per week.
Young people will be given more access to leisure and community activities through a £160m commitment to build and refurbish youth centres, while 30 supervised play parks will be built around the country from April next year.
The Government will also bring forward proposals in Spring 2008 following the conclusion of a review of the relationship between media advertising and issues such as childhood obesity and under-age drinking.