My
priorities
As soon as I stepped into office, I set out to listen to the voices of as many children as possible.
I wanted to know how children felt about the issues most affecting them, to amplify their voices outside their communities, and to deliver improved life chances for this generation and beyond.
To do this, my office conducted ‘The Big Ask’ survey. This was answered by half a million children across England, making it the biggest survey of its kind.
The Big Ask told us what children want and need urgently and longer term. A striking aspect of the data collected was that across age, gender, ethnicity, family income levels, location, and vulnerable groups, what children want is remarkably consistent. They want a good home life, a good education, a job, enough money, friends, to feel well, to be treated fairly and to look after the environment.
Our priority areas
Latest Reports
Help at Hand annual report 2024-2025
29 December 2025
“I love to learn and be around other children every day. I miss my old friends, which makes me feel sad. I have been looking forward to making new ones, so I don’t feel lonely.” These are the words of an 11-year-old boy, ‘Jack’, who contacted my advice and support service, Help at Hand. Jack, […]
Report
‘What I wish my parents or carers knew…’: A guide for parents and carers on managing children’s digital lives
18 December 2025
Parenting today can feel overwhelming — especially when childhood looks so different from what we grew up with. There’s no manual, and it can be hard to keep up with the fast-changing digital world your child moves through every day. This guide aims to make those conversations easier and help you support your child with […]
Report
“We have the most vulnerable children, but less support” Special and alternative provision sector report: The Children’s Commissioner’s School Census
5 December 2025
Recently, my office published The Children’s Plan: The Children’s Commissioner’s School Census. For the first time, I used my data powers on schools, conducting a census to better understand how leaders and staff are supporting the children in our school system in ways far beyond teaching. For most children in England, education reforms have transformed […]
Report
The criminalisation of children in care
17 November 2025
It is often said that the best judgement of a civilised society comes by looking at how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. If that is the case – and as Children’s Commissioner it is a guiding principle – then this report offers a stark warning to society. Time and time again, we see cases […]
Report
“A production line of pointlessness”: Children on custodial remand
11 November 2025
Since becoming the Children’s Commissioner, I have travelled across the country meeting children whose lives are shaped by decisions made far away from them and those whose voices are rarely heard. Time and time again, I have witnessed children being held on custodial remand, not because they pose the greatest risk, but because the system […]
Report
The Children’s Plan: Vision for Care
20 October 2025
As Children’s Commissioner, I have a special responsibility to children living in care or away from home. That is not just a responsibility defined by legislation, but one that I feel personally. It was a big part of my motivation for taking on this role nearly five years ago, after a 30-year career as a […]
Report
The Mental Health Bill: Briefing for Report stage
13 October 2025
The Children’s Commissioner’s role is to promote and protect the rights of children, including by advising on legislation which affects children. She has a particular duty towards those children with a social worker, in care, or living away from home – including those in mental health inpatient settings. Her advocacy services, Help at Hand, regularly […]
Report
School Census: Improving safety and accountability for vulnerable children
24 September 2025
As Children’s Commissioner I have the privilege of speaking to and working with thousands of professionals supporting children in every aspect of their lives. I know first-hand how caring and dedicated the vast majority of them are, and how the relationships they build with children can be transformative. But I have also seen the other […]
Report
The Children’s Plan: The Children’s Commissioner’s School Census
8 September 2025
Read The Children’s Plan: The Children’s Commissioner’s School Census in full. Read the Summary version. For the first time as Children’s Commissioner, I have used my statutory powers to ask all schools, and colleges, a set of questions. A census in response to what children told me they wanted and needed to attend, engage, attain, […]
Report
