Government launches Children's Plan
11 December 2007
The Government has launched details of its blueprint for improving children's prospects in life following a statement in the House of Commons by Children's Secretary Ed Balls.
Earlier today the Prime Minister travelled with Mr Balls to the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green to meet local parents and children to discuss the new measures.
Ed Balls said:
"We have been listening to parents, teachers, professionals and children and young people and the Children's Plan responds to their concerns. Over the next ten years I believe this plan will herald a radical change in the range of positive activities for our young people and a revolution in the way parents are involved in their child's education."
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.
A review will be carried out of the entire primary curriculum with the aim of placing greater emphasis on English and maths, while all new schools will be carbon neutral by 2016.
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 the spring following the conclusion of a review of the relationship between media advertising and issues such as childhood obesity and under-age drinking.
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