The report of an independent review (led by Adrian Webb) called for radical changes in the way post-14 education was delivered in Wales in order to close the basic skills gap. More vocational learning was needed for young people aged 14-19, as well as a 50 per cent increase in apprenticeships offered.
Source: Independent Review of the Mission and Purpose of Further Education, Promise and Performance, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Report | Report (Welsh) | WAG statement | BBC report
Date: 2007-Dec
A paper examined the effects of child poverty on educational attainment in Wales. Although child poverty had been significantly reduced throughout Wales, it still affected more than 1 in 4 children. Disadvantaged children were not enjoying the rate of progress experienced by their more privileged peers.
Source: David Egan, Combating Child Poverty in Wales: Are effective education strategies in place?, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (01904 629241)
Links: Paper | JRF press release
Date: 2007-Dec
The children's rights watchdog in Wales published its annual report for 2006-07.
Source: Annual Review 2006-07, Children's Commissioner for Wales (01792 765600)
Links: Report | CCW press release
Date: 2007-Nov
An article examined research conducted with very high-risk victims of domestic violence, to determine their levels of 'revictimization' one year after being referred to a multi-agency risk assessment conference. Taking a holistic multi-agency approach to domestic violence could reduce recidivism.
Source: Amanda Robinson and Jasmin Tregidga, 'The perceptions of high-risk victims of domestic violence to a coordinated community response in Cardiff, Wales', Violence Against Women, Volume 13 Number 11
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Oct
The Welsh Assembly government published proposals for extra legislative powers to enable it to improve the welfare of children and young people in Wales. It said a more child-centred approach could lead to free childcare for two-year-olds in greatest need, and top-up payments to child trust fund accounts of children in Wales. There would be a duty on public bodies to demonstrate how they were contributing to ending child poverty.
Source: National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence)(No.3) Order 2007, Draft Statutory Instrument, Welsh Assembly Government (0845 010 5500)
Links: Draft Order | Explanatory memorandum
Date: 2007-Jul
An article examined youth policy in Wales since devolution. It said that there was a policy vacuum, with a confusing array of initiatives, unclear lines of accountability, and widespread practitioner disillusionment.
Source: Howard Williamson, 'Youth policy in Wales since devolution: from vision to vacuum?', Contemporary Wales, Volume 19 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Jun
The education inspectorate in Wales said that guidance issued by the Welsh Assembly Government might be helping to delay the age at which children in primary schools started smoking and experimenting with drugs and alcohol: but in secondary schools it had had little impact on changing the attitudes and values of a significant minority, who continued to smoke, drink alcohol to excess, or use illegal drugs.
Source: Education about Substance Misuse, HM Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (029 2044 6446)
Links: Report | HMCIETW press release
Date: 2007-Jun
An article examined developments in policy and practice affecting children in Wales since the establishment of the National Assembly in 1999. Despite signs of improvement, on some key indicators Welsh children lagged behind their peers in the rest of the United Kingdom; and there was a serious need for better information in the form of a 'state of Wales's children' report. Distinctive policies were being developed in Wales that in important respects put children at the heart of policy-making; and the 'participation agenda' promised real change.
Source: Nigel Thomas and Anne Crowley, 'Children's rights and well-being in Wales in 2006', Contemporary Wales, Volume 19 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Jun
A report made recommendations designed to improve the lives of children and young people in Wales. These included the creation of a Welsh Assembly Government committee for children and young people, and strengthening the role of the Minister for Children.
Source: A Wales Fit for Children and Young People, Children in Wales (029 2034 2434)
Links: Report | CIW press release
Date: 2007-Jun
A Member of Parliament introduced a Bill designed to extend the provision of childcare facilities in Wales.
Source: Childcare Provision (Wales) Bill, MP, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Hansard
Date: 2007-Apr
A report outlined the contribution the Welsh Assembly Government had made, in partnership with other statutory agencies and the voluntary sector, to furthering children?s and young people?s rights as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Source: Implementing Children and Young People?s Rights in Wales, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Report
Date: 2007-Apr
The Welsh Assembly government launched (following consultation) a new national youth service strategy, focusing on raising awareness among young people of what was on offer and ensuring that all young people could access services in their local area.
Source: Press release 16 March 2007, Welsh Assembly Government (029 2082 5111)
Links: Consultation document | Young People Now report
Date: 2007-Mar
The education inspectorate in Wales said that schools and their wider communities needed to do more to teach young people about the moral and emotional aspects of sex and relationships.
Source: Sex and Relationships Guidance, HM Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (029 2044 6446)
Links: Report | HMCIETW press release
Date: 2007-Mar
A report by a committee of the National Assembly for Wales said that more needed to be done urgently to address the problem of youth homelessness in Wales.
Source: 'Everyone's Business ? No-one's Responsibility', Social Justice and Regeneration Committee/National Assembly for Wales (029 2082 5111)
Links: News report
Date: 2007-Feb
