New children’s commissioner in warning over ‘lost generation’
EVERY Government department should be “constantly pushing” to improve the lives of children to ensure they do not become the “lost generation”, England’s new children’s commissioner has said.
Dame Rachel de Souza called on the Prime Minister and Chancellor to include children in every speech and ensure that childhood is “right at the top” of the Government’s agenda.
The Children’s Commissioner for England is launching a “oncein-a-generation” review to reach every child and identify any barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential amid the pandemic.
Dame Rachel, who was chief executive of an academy chain with 14 schools in Norfolk and Suffolk before taking up the post this month, said: “I have seen first-hand the effect of this crisis on young people’s hopes and dreams, and sometimes our answers simply have not been good enough.”
The review, entitled the Childhood Commission, aims to address policy shortfalls that have held back the lives of children for decades, as well problems that have been amplified by the pandemic, the commissioner said.
Dame Rachel told the PA news agency that she was “absolutely determined” to make sure that children are prioritised so they do not become the “lost generation” as a result of the pandemic.
She said: “If we think about it, those children have in many ways made the biggest sacrifices for the least return. In terms of their experience, they’ve been stuck at home, they’ve not seen their friends, they’ve got worries about their exam results, they’ve got worries about their next steps.”
Mark Russell, chief executive of the Children’s Society, said: “The scale of the challenge is huge and we need to be big and bold.”
Dame Rachel, who was the founding chief executive of the Inspiration Trust, took over as Children’s Commissioner from the previous incumbent, Yorkshire-based Anne Longfield, when her six-year term in office came to an end in February.
THE DUCHESS of Cambridge’s sister Pippa Middleton has given birth to her second child.
Pippa’s daughter, Grace Elizabeth Jane Matthews, was born in the early hours of yesterday (Monday) weighing 6lbs 7oz, said a family spokesman.
Kate’s sister married James Matthews, a hedge fund boss, in May 2017 and the couple have a two-year-old son, Arthur.
The couple chose the Queen’s name as a middle name for their daughter.
A family spokesman said: “I’m delighted to confirm, Grace Elizabeth Jane Matthews was born around 4.22am (yesterday) morning, weighing 6lbs 7oz.
“Mother and baby are doing well.”
The baby will be another cousin for Kate’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Pippa and Kate’s mother Carole Middleton spoke about the birth of her forthcoming grandchild – now her fifth – in an interview with Good Housekeeping magazine. Commenting on her wishes for the year she said: “I also hope to see more of my family than I could last year, including, of course, my new grandchild.”
Mr Matthews is the eldest son of David Matthews, the son of a coal miner who made a fortune as a car dealer before going into the luxury hotel business. His father also owns the resort Eden Rock, St Barths, in the Caribbean, and is also laird of a 10,000-acre Scottish estate.
Following Pippa’s graduation, she briefly worked in 2008 at a public relations firm promoting luxury products. She then had an events management job with Table Talk, a firm which organises corporate events and parties.