March 2011
4 posts
£180 million new bursary scheme to help the most... →
The Government has announced a new £180 million bursary scheme to help the most vulnerable 16-19 years olds continue in full-time education.
The scheme is made up of two parts - a guaranteed payment to a small group of the most vulnerable, worth more than anybody got under the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), and a discretionary fund for schools and colleges to distribute
Read the full...
The future matters for the children's workforce →
The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has announced plans to continue beyond March 2012 despite being told the government will no longer fund their workforce development work from April 2012. The final remit letter sets out key areas of work to be undertaken around:
Social Work reform
Early Years
Educational Physchologists
Those working with families and parents
...
Billions could be saved if services for vulnerable... →
A report launched Tuesday 29 March 2011 entitled, Improving Services for Young People - an economic perspective, reveals that if a more coordinated approach to services for vulnerable young people were adopted the cost benefits to the state, and improved outcomes for young people, would be to the value of £3.2 billion.
Read the full article.
Child poverty strategy - NAVCA's response →
NAVCA has responded to the government consultation ‘Tackling child poverty and improving life chances’. This consultation, along with key reports by Graham Allen MP and Frank Field MP will inform the child poverty strategy which is due to be launched in March 2011. NAVCA have responded to the proposals with recommendations that highlight the role of local support and development...
February 2011
3 posts
Education Secretary pledges £82.5m for music... →
The Secretary of State for Education has responded to Darren Henley’s review into music in schools with a pledge to end the ‘musical divide’ with access to great musical education for children in disadvantaged areas. To ensure young people from every background have access to quality music education, Michael Gove has announced that £82.5m will be given to music services across...
Bailey Review on the Commercialisation and... →
Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of the Mothers’ Union, is carrying out an independent review to address parents’ concerns about the pressures on children to grow up too quickly.
He has launched a call for evidence to hear the views of parents, industry, and anyone who works with children and young people or has an interest in this area. Deadline: 18 March.
The Munro Review of Child Protection: Interim... →
Professor Eileen Munro has published her interim report on child protection, which examines the areas of the child protection system where reform needs to take place. See also Community Care news item.
January 2011
11 posts
Grab your 'Ticket to Progress' →
There is still chance to take up subsidised training as part of the Progress project, CWDC’s voluntary sector-led partnership delivering 25,000 accredited training places to the young people’s workforce.
Ticket to Progress is CWDC’s online web portal which allows staff and volunteers working with young people to register for the training and record online their skills,...
ContactPoint replacement could be tried in... →
Hospital accident and emergency departments may pilot the national signposting system that will replace ContactPoint, according to children’s minister Tim Loughton.
The minister disclosed the plan in a letter to Professor Eileen Munro, who is undertaking a national review of children’s services,
Loughton said the scale of need for the new database could be assessed through...
Labour loses vote to stop scrapping of EMA grants →
The BBC News website reports that Labour has lost its attempt in the House of Commons to reverse plans to scrap the Education Maintenance Allowance in England.
Labour’s education spokesman Andy Burnham said it was an attack on the aspirations of young people.
But Education Secretary Michael Gove said the grant had been “poorly targeted” and told MPs “you cannot spend...
Deputy Prime Minister launches new parenting... →
Demos’ latest report on parenting The Home Front was launched on 17 January with a speech from the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
The report includes many recommendations including “Sure Start should continue to keep services that promote social mixing as well as building social networks that are universal and open to all”.
'Hidden army' of grandparents raising disabled... →
Grandparents who raise disabled grandchildren have spoken for the first time of the enormous financial hardship, health problems, isolation and lack of support in a new report I Wish I Could Just be Grandma launched by the Family Fund.
Puppet on a String - New Report Launched by... →
Martin Narey, the new chief executive of Barnardo’s, has called for Education Secretary Michael Gove to identify a minister to take responsibility for the problem of child sexual exploitation.
Barnardo’s is now calling for child sexual exploitation to be treated as a child protection issue. The charity says the statutory response and specialist services need to be improved along with...
Expansion of the Family Nurse Partnership... →
The Government’s commitment to early life and improving the outcome for vulnerable children is reflected in the NHS Operating Framework requirement to sustain and expand the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme. The number of health visitors is also expected to increase.
Teenagers and young adults cancer measures →
A draft version of the teenagers and young adult’s cancer measures for inclusion in the Manual of Cancer Services has been issued by the Department of Health for consultation.
Government commits to overhauling outdated child... →
The Government is reminding amateur groups they don’t need to apply for individual licences for every child for every performance. Instead the local authority can issue an approval to cover all performances for all children, as appropriate to the needs of the amateur group.
New guidance published today makes this clearer and will free up local authorities and amateur groups from unnecessary...
Share and Learn Grant Scheme - Learning Partners... →
This small grants scheme will support voluntary and community sector front-line organisations who deliver services to children, young people and families to share their experience of supporting and developing their staff and volunteers and enable other front-line organisations (known as Learning Partners) to learn from their practice. Applications are still welcome from potential Learning Partners...
Munro review of Child Protection →
In June this year, the Secretary of State for Education asked Professor Eileen Munro to conduct a review of child protection in England. Professor Munro has announced that she wants to hear from professionals about their views of the child protection system “The final questions consider how professionals can provide early help and support for families quickly and efficiently, how to improve...
December 2010
8 posts
Family Fund welcomes "at least" £108m government... →
The government has recognised the essential work of the Family Fund, which supports low-income families with disabled children, by confirming “at least” £27 million of funding a year up to 2015, making a minimum of £108 million over four years.
Read the full article.
Sarah Teather announces a review of... →
Children’s Minister Sarah Teather has asked Mr Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of the Mothers’ Union to carry out an independent review into the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood, and report back with recommendations in May 2011.
Read the full article.
Cameron outlines plan to transform troubled... →
The government is to launch a pilot scheme designed to help transform the lives of the most troubled families in up to 10 local authority areas, the Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.
The trials will be led by new “family champion” Emma Harrison, who is the chairman of welfare to work provider, A4E
Read the full article.
Review of the Office of the Children's... →
The Government has welcomed Dr John Dunford’s independent review of the Children’s Commissioner for England and his recommendations to change the role through legislation by strengthening its remit, powers and independence
Amongst his recommendations are that the Government changes the role as follows:
increased powers - advising Government on new policies and undertaking an...
Department for Education Business Plan →
The DfE published their initial Business Plan in November 2010 the plan contains five sections and contains details of areas of work, with sections on Early Years and working with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. There is mention within the Early Years section of the need for them to work with Local Authorities to increase voluntary and community sector engagement and also within the plan...
Sarah Teather announces a review of... →
Children’s Minister Sarah Teather has asked Mr Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of the Mothers’ Union to carry out an independent review into the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood, and report back with recommendations in May 2011.
Read the full article.
Sarah Teather announces a review of... →
Children’s Minister Sarah Teather has asked Mr Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of the Mothers’ Union to carry out an independent review into the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood, and report back with recommendations in May 2011.
Read the full article.
Training Needs Analysis Survey →
Children England is conducting an online survey to map the training needs of voluntary organisations working with children, young people and families. They are inviting people to take part in their survey which closes on Friday, 17th December 2010.
The survey should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to complete and your views will help them identify the training needs of our sector’s...
November 2010
13 posts
Number of young people not in education or... →
The number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) has risen above the one million mark for the second time in the past five years. According to latest quarterly government figures there were 1,026,000 16- to 24-year-olds classed as Neet between July and September this year.
This is an increase of 152,000 on the previous three months figures and is the second highest...
Legal right to short breaks for disabled children... →
The Government has today (19 November 2010) asked Parliament to approve Regulations on Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children. From April 2011, the regulations will place a duty on local authorities to prepare a statement for carers on what services will be available in local areas and what criteria they will be accessed by. EDCM welcomes the regulations which come days after EDCM wrote to...
DfE seek expressions of interest for funding →
The Department is inviting expressions of interest for grant funding from voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and other organisations bidding on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis to support the delivery of key national priorities for children, young people and families. For further details, download Improving outcomes for children, young people and families - a national...
CWDC to lose government funding →
The government is withdrawing funding from the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) in a bid to channel more cash to frontline services, children’s minister Sarah Teather has announced.
The sector skills council for the children’s workforce will also cease to be a non-departmental public body (NDPB), and its functions will be carried out by the Department for...
New Ofsted report published →
Ofsted have released a new report entitled “Reading by six: how the best schools do it.” The report highlights the good practice of 12 outstanding schools across England representing a diverse range of communities that show it is possible for all schools to achieve the highest standards.
Read the full article.
Big Society offers big opportunities for dads,... →
The ‘Big Society’ offers Britain the chance to think about the role of dads outside as well as inside the home, Fatherhood Institute chief executive Rob Williams told the conference.
“We need to start thinking about what fathers do outside, and how they can work together - to create play opportunities for their children, take them on holidays, and provide support for each...
DfE reviews to cost at least £600k →
The cost of just five Department for Education (DfE) policy reviews could run to more than £600,000, according to figures released in parliament.
Responding to a question from Tom Watson, children’s minister Tim Loughton revealed the Early Years Foundation Stage review, led by Action for Children chief executive Dame Clare Tickell, is set to cost up to £350,000 - £250,000 of which could be...
Value of youth work to society →
The National Youth Agency (NYA) and Local Government Association have launched a new report that highlights the value of youth work to society.
Using case-studies of local authority-funded projects, the Valuing Youth Work report shows how organisations and councils can effectively work together to provide services covering health, citizenship, participation, and training and education, and the...
Abolition of child detention put on hold →
The practice of detaining children for immigration purposes will not stop until the end of March 2011, despite the pledge being made in the coalition agreement in May.
Campaigners have said the revelation in the Home Office’s business plan for 2011-15, is “bitterly disappointing”. Read the full article.
Inquiry into services for young people launched →
The Education Committee has launched a inquiry and call for evidence into services for young people. The inquiry into the provision of services beyond the school/college day for young people, primarily those aged 13-25 will consider both universal services and targeted services for vulnerable groups. The inquiry recognises the role the voluntary sector plays and invites submissions that address...
More freedom and flexibility - a new approach for... →
All evidence and experience suggests stronger partnerships, greater integration of services and a shared purpose for all those working with and for children and families lead to better services for children, young people and families - especially the most vulnerable. The core principle of a shared commitment to improve the lives of children, young people and families - enshrined in the ‘duty...
Child poverty needs assessment toolkit →
Growing up in poverty has a significant impact on children and young people both during their childhood and beyond. The child poverty needs assessment is the chance to highlight what this means locally and how local authorities can respond.
This resource is for individuals and groups who will lead on understanding family poverty locally. It will help in providing the underpinning information and...
Ofsted publish report into the role of Children's... →
Strong partnership working across agencies, led by highly effective leaders with commitment and drive, can bring real change and improvement for children and young people in their area, finds Ofsted in its latest report published today.
Ofsted’s chief inspector Christine Gilbert claimed the report illustrates how successful children’s trusts have the potential to improve outcomes for...
October 2010
4 posts
Most LSCBs neglect issue of sexual exploitation →
Less than a quarter of local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) in England have a strategy to protect children from sexual exploitation, according to research by the University of Bedfordshire.
Read the full article.
Children and young people in care need better... →
Children and young people in care need better support if they are to reach their full potential and enjoy the same opportunities in life as their peers, according to new guidance published today by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).
Read the full article.
Family Policy and the new Government →
In July this year the Family and Parenting Institute staged a highly successful event entitled Family Policy and the New Government. Chaired by BBC Home Editor Mark Easton, it saw Minister for Children and Families Sarah Teather MP debate with other prominent speakers and attendees on how family policy should be forged in a time of economic challenges.
The FPI have now published the final report...
"Fairness premium" for poorest children →
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced plans for a £7 billion “fairness premium to help the poorest children and young people as he says that children “must not pay the price for this generation’s mistakes.”
“I can announce today that in the Spending Review we will provide extra funds - a total of over £7 billion over the spending review period - for a...
September 2010
7 posts
Support for trustees from the Safe Network →
What are the responsibilities of your board of trustees when it comes to keeping children and young people safe? The Safe Network have created a new article for trustees outlining the core policies and procedures that they need to consider - and how they can help.
Teenager campaigns against spending cuts →
A campaign calling for services for children and young people to be spared from proposed government spending cuts has been launched by a teenager in Kent.
Dara Farrell, 17, is chairman of Kent Youth County Council and represents the county as a member of the UK Youth Parliament.
He is calling on teenagers to help fight the proposed cuts, fearing funding for careers advice, support and youth...
Independent Literacy Inquiry →
Nearly 10 years after the Skills for Life Strategy was launched, there is an estimated 5 million people who still lack the literacy skills needed for the 21st century. NIACE is co-ordinating an independent Inquiry into Adult and Youth Literacy in England (Lifelong Literacy: In, Out and Beyond Work) - led by Lord Boswell, a former Conservative education minister and long-standing supporter of adult...
Ofsted review of special educational needs and... →
A major review of special educational needs and disability arrangements published by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, reveals a range of concerns about the current system and how well it is serving children and young people. For example the report suggests that “In some of the best examples, the non-statutory Common Assessment Framework was...
In-work poverty in the recession report →
Interesting report published by IPPR suggesting that ‘the government needs to do more to address low pay and reduce poverty among working families’. The report highlights that the proportion of ‘poor children living in working households has continued to increase’ and the report looks at arrangements for childcare and flexible working opportunities. Download the report. 15...
Sustainable Investment in Communities Fund... →
Sport England has announced that its Sustainable Investment in Communities Fund will re-open for applications on the 26th October until the 21st December 2010. The fund will be available to organisations such as sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations, local authorities, and education establishments, such as schools, colleges and universities to invest in innovative projects capable of...
Do you employ newly qualified social workers? →
The NQSW programme enables employers to offer a consistent, high quality, 12 month support package to those in their first year of employment as a social worker. CWDC will provide support and funding for all NQSWs who meet the eligibility criteria.
CWDC are holding two NQSW programme information workshops in September to enable you to ask questions about the programme and hear about the...