Title

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

'Beveridge report for children' launched

A ‘once-in-a-generation review’ of the future of childhood has been launched by the Children’s Commissioner for England.

A ‘once-in-a-generation review' of the future of childhood has been launched by the Children's Commissioner for England.

Dame Rachel de Souza's childhood commission has been inspired by William Beveridge's pioneering 1940s report, which was used as the model for the welfare state.

Her review will identify the barriers preventing children from reaching their full potential, propose policy and services solutions and develop targets by which improvements can be monitored.

Dame Rachel said: ‘Our response to the trauma of the Second World War was to create a blueprint for a social service system and a National Health Service that improved our lives.

'We have the chance to do the same again now for children.

'There is a huge opportunity to remake our social settlement that won't come again for decades and we must seize it.

‘I want the childhood commission to have the spirit and the ambition of the Beveridge report – something that leads to long-term changes that improve the chances of every single child, whatever their early standing in life and wherever they are in England.'

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

'Banging the table for children'

By Ann McGauran | 22 April 2026

The new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services’ passionate belief in the rights of children and young people shines through. Ann Mc...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Winning the war on waste?

By David Blackman | 16 April 2026

Is Reform UK’s waste drive just a saloon bar dream or are there still genuine efficiencies to be gleaned in local government? David Blackman reports

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Breckland Council: The magic of the ordinary brings us all together

By Steve James | 14 April 2026

It is the everyday quiet work of districts that builds trust between residents and council and contributes to community cohesion, says Steve James.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Become's Personal Adviser Programme helps young people find their voice

14 April 2026

Co-designed with care-experienced young people, PAs and managers of Leaving Care teams, Become’s accredited Personal Adviser Development Programme makes youn...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman