Commenting on the Children’s Commissioner’s launch of “The Big Ask” consultation, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“The voice of children and young people should be central to how the country recovers from Covid, not just immediately but in the longer term too. ‘The Big Ask’ consultation will provide valuable insight.

“The range of reviews and commissions already taking place into issues affecting the lives of children and young people, including SEND and social services, will need to be brought together to find the solutions that answer the concerns of young people as well as our ambitions for them and our society.

“In reality, it’s been long known that the fundamental issues are poverty and disadvantage, poor wellbeing, discrimination and inequality, and they can cut across every aspect of a child’s life chances. Covid-19 brought these long-standing problems into sharp focus. Government is yet to successfully tackle these issues, and seeking to address the problems individually will fail. Children need the support of well-integrated and well-funded support services.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk