Whilst preparing for my PGCE interview, I've been reading the details of 'Every Child Matters,' a UK government initiative launched in 2003.
Its main aims are for every child, whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to:
The policy states that 'The Government is committed to halving child poverty by 2010, and eradicating it by 2020.'
Where are we now?
In recent months, the government in the UK has reduced the money spent on children who are disadvantaged. EMA, a weekly allowance of up to £30 a week, given to students aged 16 to 18 whose parents can't fully support them, has been cut. The allowance was meant to encourage and support students so that they could take part in higher education and widen their opportunities.
The government cuts could also affect school meals and healthy eating, which was encouraged by Jamie Oliver a few years ago. I can't say that the food I've seen schools provide in response to his 'revolution' is 100% healthy (or particularly desirable...), but it was at least a step in the right direction. Now we face a potential fall back to a menu of processed foods.
Furthermore, I wouldn't be surprised if they cut free school meals... What then? A lot of children come from homes which can't provide them with a healthy meal. I've seen children and teens eating processed meat from a foil tin at home, I've met a family who can only afford cheap cuts of meat, potatoes and canned baked beans for every meal, and have read stories about parents who can't feed themselves.
I know the benefits system can be misused and abused by people, but should we really cut the benefits we give to children? If we're going to cut EMA (I know some kids spend it all on alcohol and cigarettes), we should buy children free bus passes so they can get to school and give them free school meals. We should also hand out more free books and/or book vouchers so that kids can buy the educational books they need; nowadays, the books you study in Literature can cost £10 each and revision guides cost £10 - £20...
What are your thoughts on the affects the cuts could have on children, their educational and emotional growth, and their chance for a healthier meal?
What do you think is the best option?
Its main aims are for every child, whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to:
- Be healthy
- Stay safe
- Enjoy and achieve
- Make a positive contribution
- Achieve economic well-being
The policy states that 'The Government is committed to halving child poverty by 2010, and eradicating it by 2020.'
Where are we now?
In recent months, the government in the UK has reduced the money spent on children who are disadvantaged. EMA, a weekly allowance of up to £30 a week, given to students aged 16 to 18 whose parents can't fully support them, has been cut. The allowance was meant to encourage and support students so that they could take part in higher education and widen their opportunities.
The government cuts could also affect school meals and healthy eating, which was encouraged by Jamie Oliver a few years ago. I can't say that the food I've seen schools provide in response to his 'revolution' is 100% healthy (or particularly desirable...), but it was at least a step in the right direction. Now we face a potential fall back to a menu of processed foods.
Furthermore, I wouldn't be surprised if they cut free school meals... What then? A lot of children come from homes which can't provide them with a healthy meal. I've seen children and teens eating processed meat from a foil tin at home, I've met a family who can only afford cheap cuts of meat, potatoes and canned baked beans for every meal, and have read stories about parents who can't feed themselves.
I know the benefits system can be misused and abused by people, but should we really cut the benefits we give to children? If we're going to cut EMA (I know some kids spend it all on alcohol and cigarettes), we should buy children free bus passes so they can get to school and give them free school meals. We should also hand out more free books and/or book vouchers so that kids can buy the educational books they need; nowadays, the books you study in Literature can cost £10 each and revision guides cost £10 - £20...
What are your thoughts on the affects the cuts could have on children, their educational and emotional growth, and their chance for a healthier meal?
What do you think is the best option?
