Addressing delegates at the annual Association of Directors of Children’s Services yesterday, the children’s minister said the consultation will look at changing legislation to allow for the adoption of John Dunford’s recommendations in his review of the role, published last December.
The current children's commissioner is Maggie Atkinson, (pictured), who took over the post in March 2010 from England's first-ever children's commissioner, Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green
Mr Dunford, former general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, proposed that the job of children’s commissioner be merged with the office of the Children’s Rights Director in Ofsted. He also called for the role to be strengthened and have greater independence from Government by reporting directly to Parliament rather than just the Department for Education (News, 8 December 2010).
Ms Teather said, ‘The Government wants the views and interests of children to be championed at the highest level. That’s why we accepted all of John Dunford’s sensible recommendations to give the Children’s Commissioner greater independence, influence and impact. We are listening to young people, and everyone working with children, on how we change the law. We want to change the role to best suit the needs of children, particularly looked after children and those who have just left the care system, as they do not have a parent or guardian to promote their rights and views.’
The consultation closes on 29 September 2011.