Originally published @ 11:52 am, Thu 16th Sep 2010
The work goes on for every child, but just as excitement is growing over -
ï the effectiveness of early intervention projects,
ï new ways of providing services for children with particular needs as they reach adulthood,
ï building schools for the future and
ï the increased expenditure and focus on standards,
immediate cuts to grants, stops to capital projects and yet to be announced cuts to public expenditure means the potential to achieve more for our children can be foreseen, but may not be delivered, unless we can persuade the ConDems that it’s not too late.
The exam results announced in August showed progress again by our children in attainment at school.
At a scrutiny meeting in Nottingham, progress was again celebrated.
An early opportunity was taken to consider however that progress in our primary schools was behind the result of the country, particularly in English, and it’s thought most particularly in reading.
Having established very clear ideas of the expectation of the academic capabilities of our children, it’s interesting that there is no such equivalent for children’s physical capabilities. Be it the ability to run, sprint, dance (or those of us who were teenagers in the seventies might know it, pogo), swim, jump, lift weights, catch balls etc., there appears to be no set out expectation for what say three-quarters of our children should be able to achieve at year 11.
Instead, there is growing concerns over our children being overweight (for instance one-third of Nottingham’s year 6s), or being obese (one-fifth of Nottingham’s year 6s).
Might the London 2012 Olympics be a catalyst to get something done? After all, the modern Olympic movement started in England (Shropshire indeed) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenlock_Olympian_Society_Annual_Games - with a clear aim “"for the promotion of the moral, physical and intellectual improvement ... by the encouragement of out-door recreation”.
Many local councils were joining in by making a virtue of free swimming – which the Con Dems have scrapped. http://www.mylondon2012.com/inspireprogramme/all-inspire-projects/#bytheme
Meanwhile, Michelle Obama has made childhood obesity her campaign as the USA’s First Lady - http://www.letsmove.gov/
Meanwhile, the opportunity to hear a presentation on children’s health in Nottingham, not only reinforced concerns about healthy weight and childhood obesity, but prompted concern over reports of 27% of our children having mental health problems.
TO BE COMPLETED
Every Child Matters has 5 strategic aims -
Being Healthy so that they are physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually healthy, have healthy lifestyles and choose not to take illegal drugs.
Staying Safe from maltreatment, neglect, violence, sexual exploitation, accidental injury and death, bullying and discrimination, crime and anti-social behaviour in and out of school, have security and stability and are cared for.
Enjoying and Achieving so that they are ready for school, attend and enjoy school, achieve stretching national educational standards at primary and secondary school, achieve personal and social development and enjoy recreation.
Making a Positive Contribution so that they engage in decision-making, support their community and environment, engage in law-abiding and positive behaviour in and out of school, develop positive relationships, choose not to bully and discriminate, develop self confidence, successfully deal with significant life changes and challenges and develop enterprising behaviour.
Achieving Economic Well-being so that they engage in further education, employment or training on leaving school, are ready for employment, live in decent homes and sustainable communities, have access to transport and material goods, live in households free from low income.
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