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The article reports on the British House of Lords' discussion about young people in custody during the March 23, 2011 session. A report from the British Office of the Children's Commissioner has allegedly revealed that restraints are being used on young people in custody. Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, Lord Tom McNally has asserted that the report also claimed that the size of the sample used in the study had not been high enough to be considered statistically significant or considered as representative of young people across the country.

The article highlights the report "Department for Education: Getting Value for Money from the Education of 16- to 18-Year-Olds," by the Comptroller and Auditor General of the British National Audit Office (NAO). The report claims that learner achievement measures have shown improved national performance over the years, although variations still exist, with learners in larger providers usually showing better academic progress. The report also asserts that the British Department of Education failed to review the contributions of local authorities.

The article reports on issues on the child trust fund raised during oral questions to the British Government in the House of Lords on February 28, 2011. The Earl of Listowel Francis Hare asked about the plans of the government to replace the child trust fund for children under the care of local authorities. A new tax-free children's savings account would be launched this year, according to Lord James Sassoon. Baroness Joan Walmsley suggested that philanthropists and charities may donate to such saving accounts.

The article reports on issues on the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood raised during oral questions to the British government in the House of Lords on February 10, 2011. The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds John Packer asked whether the government would follow the European Parliament's recommendation to make sure that children were protected from behavioural advertising on the internet and new media. Baroness Doreen Massey of Darwen suggested to include personal, social and health education in the curriculum.

The article reports on a debate on early years education introduced by Labor Party's Ann Coffee to the British House of Commons on December 14, 2010. Coffee focused on the eight percent of three and four-year-olds not taking up their free entitlement to 15 hours a week of free early years education. She stressed the value of improving take-up of early years education for the most disadvantaged families. The government cited the importance of increasing the number of health visitors working out of Sure Start children's centres by 4,200.

The article discusses the highlights of an adjournment debate on school admission policies in the local council area of Milton Keynes in Great Britain. Introduced by Conservative Party's Mark Lancaster, the debate focused on the renewed controversy following the changes made to the allocation process. He cited the need to recognize the proximity of schooling to improve attainment and children's quality of life. The British government responded by stressing the need for catchment areas to reflect the community served by the school.

A list of educational legislation released by the British parliament as of December 2010 is presented including "The Education (School Attendance Targets) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010," "The Child Minding and Day Care Exceptions (Wales) Order 2010," and "The Education (School Development Plans) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010."

The article presents the highlights of an oral question session on education with the Treasury held at the British House of Commons on November 16, 2010. A total of 16,676 child trust fund accounts have been opened by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from 2005 to 2009, according to Economic Secretary Justine Greening. He denied allegations that the government's manifesto commitment to retain the fund for poor children had not been kept. Exchequer Secretary David Gauke noted the plan of HMRC to withdraw child benefit from higher rate taxpayers.

The article presents the highlights of an oral question session on educational psychology held at the British House of Lords on November 15, 2010. Lord Jonathan Hill of Oareford, parliamentary under secretary for schools, described the voluntary subscription scheme of the Children's Workforce Development Council for the training of educational psychologists as unsustainable. Baroness Elaine Murphy proposed the creation of a training strategy for educational psychology by central bodies. Hill mentioned the separate funding for educational psychologists.

The article presents a debate concerning the role of british regulation and guidance in improving nutritional outcome for children. Former minister at the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Lord Whitty called for the debate after learning that the Government had decided to abolish the School Food Trust, a group designed to improve the quality of school meals. Whitty was concerned that the Department of Health will assume again the responsibility for nutrition and dietary health now that the Food Standards Agency had ceased to exist.

News briefs on British government activities in education in 2010. The School Food Trust found that four out of five children eating school meals have tried food in school canteen they do no try at home.The Welsh Assembly Government has announced that play-based curriculum will be implements for five and six year-olds from the start of the new school year. The report "Getting it Right for Children and Young People" recommends that responsibility on children's healthcare should be united.

The article reports on the debate in the House of Commons of Great Britain over the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Member of Parliament (MP) Jonathan Reynolds pointed out the government's failure to provide health services to children with autism and mental health problems, while MP Annette Brooke stressed the need to train CAMHS professionals. Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Health, Anne Milton, pointed out that the standards of care highlighted in the society's report, titled "You Need to Know," were unacceptable.

The article discusses the British House of Commons' Select Committee on Children, Schools and Families' eighth report, entitled "Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training." The committee pointed out that it is possible to reduce the number of unemployed youth if they would just enroll on training programme or a college course. It recommended that England should emulate Netherlands and also give benefits to youths only if they are training or going to school.

A list of British government publications including "After the Election: Policy Priorities for Primary Education," "A Place for Culture: Developing a Local Culture Offer for All Children and Young People," and "Youth Crime Action Plan Update," is presented.

The article discusses the House of Commons Health Committee's report "The Government Response to the Health Select Committee Report on Alcohol," published on March 19, 2010. It highlights the British government's response to the Health Select Committee's report on the effects of excessive alcohol consumption on public health. The article details the recommendations made by the Committee, including the need to improve information and education policies in the country.

The article discusses the highlights of the fifth session of the Public Bill Committee meeting on the Children, Schools and Families Bill that was conducted at the British House of Commons on January 26, 2010. The session began when British Conservative politician Nick Gibb scrutinized the bill per clause. Other session participants were British Labour politicians Vernon Coaker and Caroline Flint, and British Liberal Democrat politician David Laws.

The article focuses on an adjournment debate on media images of women and girls that was introduced by Scottish Liberal Democrat politician Jo Swinson at a session at the British House of Commons on January 11, 2010. Such issue was tackled due to the increase in the number of girls with bulimia and anorexia being admitted to hospitals. Swinson stated that the digital enhancement of images could cause a detrimental impact on adolescent girls.

The article focuses on a document titled "Mending Our Broken Society: Urgent Action to Improve Our Schools," presented by the Conservative Party of Great Britain on January 18, 2010. Such document mentioned an issue related to the Math and English performance of students. The document also discussed the intention of the Conservatives to strengthen home-school behavior contracts.

The article focuses on the report "Children's Rights," published by the British House of Lords and House of Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights. The document has recommended that there should be a British plan for the implementation of the United Nations Committee on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The report cited the increasing number of offences for which children could be charged and convicted.

The article presents questions and answers related to children's services in Great Britain including the cost of the implementation of the specialised diploma programme, the number of career development loans expected to be made available in 2010 to 2011 and how many adults are assessed as functionally illiterate.

The article looks at the debate on the Sure Start programme in Westminster Hall. Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, told that the overall achievement of 5-year old children improved by 3% in Great Britain, which is 1% away from the 2011 goal. She responded to the question of Jamie Reed that Jobcentre Plus, colleges and remote learning created by Sure Start centres helped parents acquire new skills and qualifications and become employed to ensure that their children will have better child care.

The article presents the response of Great Britain's Minister of Education Caitriona Ruane when asked about the proposed teacher redundancy regulations. The minister said that the department had carried out an eight-week consultation on the draft regulations and their equality screening. She also said that she would make a decision regarding any outstanding equality duties in due time.

The article focuses on the oral questions dealing with schools drop-out rates raised in the House of Lords in Great Britain. It raises concern on 14-year-olds dropping out school. It suggests that government should look into more effective ways to keep young people in education. It also states the government's response to this problem such as, to intervene early on the pupil frequent absences from school, and to provide apprenticeship and vocational and skills training to those who have already dropped out.

The article presents David Gauke's (Conservatives, South-West Hertfordshire) query to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assessment of the 2010 child poverty target in Great Britain. Parliament Under-Secretary Helen Goodman stresses that recession has made the target a real challenge. However, Goodman stresses that since 1997, the government has already alleviated 500,000 children out of poverty, doubling the number since budget 2007 and further decrease the number of living in absolute poverty in half.

In this article, Karen Buck, Labour Regent's Park and Kensington, North, discusses her concern over the rampant occurrences of youth crimes due to gang affiliations and social problems. Parliament Undersecretary at the Home Office, Alan Campbell, Labour Tynemouth, announces that the Home Office initiated a 500,000 British pounds scheme to assist youths in its effort to get away from gangs. He further added that this developmental fund shall be managed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

In this article, Jamie Reed, Labour Member Parliament (MP) of Copeland, Cumbria, discusses the success of nurture groups in assisting school children with emotional, social and intellectual problems and stresses that government should provide dedicated funds for the group's expansion. Diana R. Johnson, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull North, reiterated that although the Department for Children, School and Families (DCSF) has this as one of their purpose, the government is willing to meet and discuss issues with the Nurture Group Network.

The article presents information on a report published by the British House of Commons Select Committee on Children, Schools and Families, titled "Long-After Children," on April 20, 2009. In this report, the committee is said to have called for a radical overhaul of the care system for children. The committee also stated its concern about the relationship of children with their social worker.

The article focuses on the effect of excluding International General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) results from value-added calculations in the post-16 school performance tables on independent schools in Great Britain. An internal analysis was commissioned by the government for the issue. It cites the disadvantages of using the same method for holding pupils to account by their examination methods.

The article reports on the discussion on physical restraint in Great Britain with the Baroness Delyth Morgan of Drefelin, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Children, Schools, and Families, at the House of Lords on January 13, 2009. Regarding the decision of the Court of Appeal on quashing the amendment rules about the use of restraints in secure training centers holding juveniles, Morgan said that the decision means removing the legal authority for custody officers to remove trainees from other trainees.

The article focuses on a debate on the British House of Commons about the education bills included in the Queen's Speech. Great Britain Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that the bills included in the speech was based on the plan of the government to raise educational leaving age to 18 years old so that every young person has a path to a fulfilling career. MP Elfyn Llwyd added that he appreciated the continuing fight by the government to eradicate poverty by 2010 but he added that this could produce good results if properly done.

The article reports on the debate on school funding in Devon, England with Member of the Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Cox of Torridge and West Devon at the House of Commons in Great Britain on November 11, 2008. He explained that the rural primary schools in Devon are not receiving enough resources for funds and that his districts have the most disadvantaged areas of the county. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, Schools & Families, Sarah McCarthy-Fry, said that it is the responsibility of the local authorities to allocate their funding.

The article reports on the debate on the children of prisoners with Member of the Parliament (MP) Kerry McCarthy of Bristol East, England at the House of Commons in Great Britain on November 12, 2008. She noted the increasing number of children whose parents are in prison and its effects to children like mental health problems and the risk of being bullied. She suggested that the Ministry of Justice must consider the impact of arresting the parent on the child. The Minister for Children, Beverly Hughes explained the Every Child Matters program.

The article focuses on the annual report released by Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills in Great Britain. She says the report reflects quality and strong improvement across all the sectors they regulate and inspect. The positive points highlighted in the report include a higher proportion of good childcare and early education, a high standard of nursery education and continuing improvement in secure accommodation for children.

The article reports on the oral statement on national curriculum tests taken up at the House of Commons in Great Britain on October 14, 2008. Secretary of State for Schools Ed Balls announced to the Parliament the reforms that would modify the resting of 11 and 14 year-olds. According to Balls, the contract with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) for testing had been terminated and results for the pilot studies on alternative forms of testing are being awaited.

This section chronicles the activities of parliamentary committees in Great Britain in October 2008. On October 30, the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons published its 47th report of Session 2007-2008. On October 29, the Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee of the Scottish Executive met and took evidence on the stage two budget process for 2009-2010. On October 23, the Children and Young People Committee of the Welsh Assembly met and took evidence for its inquiry into the Parenting Action Plan.

The article reports on a debate on the 2008 Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) which was held before the British House of Commons on July 22, 2008. Secretary of State Ed Balls appeared at the House to offer some explanation behind the delays in the reporting of results in the SAT's key stage 2 and key stage 3. Moreover, Secretary Balls mentioned that 98 percent of the marks in key stage 2 are now available and 88 percent for key stage 3.

The article presents a list of statutory instruments in the British Parliament including "The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2008" , "The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 (Amendment of the Definition of Child Care Position) Order 2008" and "The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Barring Procedure) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008".

The article focuses on the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) report of Great Britain in 2007. According to it, there is a strong performance among single tier and county councils during the period. It also states that a large majority of services for children and young people are well above the minimum requirements.

The article reports on the Children & Young Persons Bill which is in the Committee Stage at the House of Lords in Great Britain. The discussions on the bill's several clauses by Grand Committee members on January 8, 2007 are presented. Under this procedure used for Bills that are not controversial, no votes are rendered at Committee Stage. Any unresolved questions are taken up at Report Stage where the entire House of Lords can participate.

This article presents the highlights of oral sessions of questions to ministers at the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) which discussed the education of service children, as of January 2008. Bob Russell, member of parliament (MP) for Colchester, was told that MoD officials were having discussions about school provision in Colchester with Essex County Council. One MP asked about support for service children in early years provision.

The article focuses on a report on science teaching in schools released by the British House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee in November 2007. A lack of good careers advice was blamed for compounding the perceived difficulty of math and science A-levels. The committee concluded that there was no alternative to introducing the revised A-level syllabus. It urged the government to think again about the introduction of the Key Stage 3 changes.

The article reports on the introduction of the Grandparents Rights of Access Bill in the House of Commons in Great Britain. Under the bill introduced by Ian Cawsey, grandparents will be given opportunities to access their grandchildren in specific circumstances. It was found that sixty percent of children are cared for by their grandparents.

The article reports on the 10 year plan of the British government for the Aim Higher program. Beverley Hughes, minister for Children, Young People and Families, says that the government will raise the age of participation in education and training. An additional £173 million would be allocated to youth opportunity and capital funds. The government expects that teenagers will have direct influence on at least 25 percent of local authority budgets by 2018.

The article reports on an oral inquiry at the British House of Commons concerning children, schools and family affairs. Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Children, Schools & Families Kevin Brennan was asked whether the voice of children was heard as the Care Matters agenda was developed. John Hemming from Liberal Democratic Party proposed that the government must respect the decision of children who want to return to the custody of their parents.

The article reports on the arguments raised by Hywel Williams and Graham Allen during debates on parenting and child care in the British House of Commons. Williams claimed that Sure Start, tax credits, children' centers and parenting academy were major steps in improving children care and parenting, but asserted that those measures are not enough. He stressed the importance of adding more public day care centers. On a separate debate, Allen noted that the reorganization of the DfES replicated children and young people's Department at local levels.

The article presents a synopsis of the parliamentary and government activity for children's services in Great Britain in June 2007. The Great Britain Department for Education and Skills announced that children at schools are to be given short bursts of one-to-one extra tuition in English and Math as part of a major two-year pilot project. A report on bullying was published by the House of Commons Select Committee on Education and Skills. The Department for Children, Schools and Families was restructured.

The article reports on child education issues raised during oral questions to the Scottish Executive in the Scottish Parliament on February 3, 2011. Labour legislator Lewis Macdonald asked about the contribution of pupil support assistants to children's learning. Scottish National Party (SNP) legislator Dave Thompson inquired about the level of capital expenditure for education for the 2011-2012 period. Another issue raised was concerned with the Budget for Bursaries campaign of the National Union of Students Scotland.

The article reports on issues related to education and training for young offenders raised during oral questions to the British government in the House of Lords on February 28, 2011. Lord Robert Sheldon asked about the arrangements available to provide education and training for young people in prisons and young offender institutions. He contended that the overcrowding in prisons affected education and training. Baroness Trumpington Jean Barker suggested to use closed farms and gardens to provide work for illiterate people.

The article reports on a debate on local government finance in the British House of Commons on February 9, 2011. Labour legislator Caroline Flint stated that 450 libraries were facing threat of closure. Shadow Education Secretary Andy Burnham claimed that Prime Minister David Cameron had provided an inaccurate view of Sure Start funding. Labour legislator Tony Lloyd stated that Manchester, England had to relinquish control of Sure Start children's centres because it was being forced to reduce children's services.

The article offers updates on the British parliament as of December 2010. It highlights a debate in the Parliament where Liberal Democrats found themselves divided on how the non-ministerial members of their party should vote on university tuition fees. It took five hours of debate before the increase in fees was voted. The article cites the move of Children's Minister Sarah Teather who asked for an independent review into the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood.