2024 is set to be a pivotal year marked by the anticipation of a general election in the UK, the children and families’ sector braces for a series of transformative changes.
An analysis by Amrit Virdi, Hannah Rashbass, and Fiona Simpson for Children and Young People Now sheds light on the expected shifts and the lingering uncertainties that could shape the landscape of services dedicated to the nation's youth.
The Landscape of Change
The past year has been a mixed bag of initiatives and challenges. The government's response to the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, characterised by a funding offer that fell short of expectations, and the overhaul of the funded childcare offer, have been significant. These changes unfold against a backdrop of rising child poverty rates, an unprecedented number of children on education, health, and care plans (EHCPs), and burgeoning mental health support waitlists.
As we look ahead, several key areas are poised for change, impacting early years, education, health, social care, youth justice, and youth work.
Early Years and Education: A Balancing Act
The government's phased rollout of expanded funded childcare hours for two-year-olds is a beacon of hope for many. Yet, the reduction in early years funding local authorities can retain sparks concerns about the timely publication of budgets and the seamless implementation of these plans. The sector also awaits the outcomes of early evaluations of the government’s early adopter areas for family hubs, with bated breath for news of further funding.
In education, the introduction of the Advanced British Standard (ABS) to replace A Levels signals a significant shift. However, the proposal has been met with skepticism from union leaders concerned about the feasibility of increased teaching hours and the existing shortage of teachers in key subjects.
Health: A Call for Comprehensive Support
The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition's call for an additional £1.7bn a year to bolster mental health services underscores the urgent need for a more focused approach to wellbeing in educational settings. The absence of specific mentions of children’s mental health in major policy announcements has been notable, despite growing evidence of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis exacerbating mental health issues among the youth.
Social Care and Youth Justice: Seeking Sustainable Solutions
The launch of the National Kinship Care Strategy and the National Children’s Social Care Framework marks a step towards addressing the pressing needs within social care. However, the effectiveness of these strategies in meeting the complex demands of children and families remains to be seen.
The opening of England’s first secure school, Oasis Secure, introduces a new model for supporting young offenders. This initiative represents a hopeful departure from traditional correctional approaches, aiming to integrate education and rehabilitation more effectively.
Youth Work: Facing Funding Precipices
The stark reduction in youth services funding over the past decade presents a grim picture. With local authorities grappling with significant budget gaps, the future of essential youth services hangs in the balance. Yet, innovative projects like the redevelopment of an east London community hall into a new youth centre offer a glimmer of hope, showcasing the potential for revitalised youth work spaces.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Priorities and Potential
As Children and Young People Now highlights, the sector stands at a crossroads. The coming year offers an opportunity to redefine priorities and strengthen the support network for children and young people. The key to navigating these changes lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term visions, ensuring that every initiative, from early education reforms to mental health support and youth justice, is aligned with the overarching goal of fostering a nurturing, supportive, and empowering environment for the UK's youth.
The challenges are significant, and the path forward is fraught with uncertainties. Yet, the potential for transformative change is immense. By focusing on holistic development, mental health, and the rights of children and young people, 2024 could mark the beginning of a new era in the children and families’ sector, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Reference: "Children and Young People Now" by Amrit Virdi, Hannah Rashbass, and Fiona Simpson, Thursday, December 21, 2023.
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