§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans the team looking at the Green Paper for Children at Risk have to recommend a review of educational and social institutions designed to provide a more nurturing environment for children whose lives are fragmented; [103844]
(2) what plans the team looking at the Green Paper for Children at Risk have for joint training for children's professionals in the core skills needed by those who work with children; [103845]
(3) what plans the team looking at the Green Paper for Children at Risk have to support parents in the transition to parenthood. [103846]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Green Paper on Children at Risk, to be published this spring, is examining the range of services available to children and young people who are at risk of educational failure, offending, victimisation and abuse, and poor health. Whilst its too early to comment on the detail of the Green Paper on Children at Risk, the role of parents, schools and children's professionals in improving the outcomes for children are at the core of the work. The Green Paper is looking at how parents can be enabled to support their children best, from preparing for parenthood, throughout the key early years and as their children grow towards adulthood.
Positive experiences of schools and of after school leisure activities outside of schools, play a pivotal role in building self-esteem and enabling children to succeed, educationally, socially and in employment in later life. The Green Paper is considering how mainstream services and institutions can ensure they are positive and accessible environments for the most vulnerable children and young people.
The Green Paper is also looking at ways to improve common training across the professionals who work with children and young people to ensure a shared understanding of child development and safeguarding children.