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Child poverty and development examined with the Children’s Commissioner for England

7 December 2020

The Work and Pensions Committee hears from the Children’s Commissioner for England, along with headteachers and directors of local council children’s services, on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on children and their development.

Witnesses

Wednesday 9 December, virtual meeting

At 9.30am

Panel 1

  • Anne Longfield OBE, Children's Commissioner for England
  • Ben Levinson, Headteacher at Kensington Primary School, East Ham, London
  • Dr Kathryn Hobbs, Headteacher at David Nieper Academy, Alfreton, Derbyshire
  • Joanne Ormond, Headteacher at Maryport Junior School, Maryport, Cumbria

Panel 2

  • Paul Marshall, Strategic Director of Children and Education Services, Manchester City Council
  • Matt Dunkley CBE, Corporate Director for Education and Young People's Services, Kent County Council
  • Nancy Meehan, Director of Children's Services, Torbay Council

The session examines how children have experienced the pandemic, the poverty that some young people have faced and the Government’s winter support package for families.

The first panel features Anne Longfield, whose role as Children’s Commissioner promotes the views and interests of children. She appears alongside headteachers from across England.

The Committee then hears from representatives from local authorities on the part they play in assisting vulnerable families and delivering government support.

Members of the Education Committee have been invited to take part in the session.

The Committee previously held a session focussing on poverty and the demand for food banks during the pandemic.

Further information

Image: Pixabay