DfE committed to cross-government focus on tackling child poverty, Phillipson tells DCSs

Phillipson told local authority leaders through a video message at the Association of Directors Children’s Services (ADCS) annual conference in Manchester that the new government would “deliver a cross-government strategy on child poverty”.

She described the strategy as “the key to unlocking opportunity for us all”.

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Phillipson also committed to “work tirelessly with local authorities” and “act decisively” to deliver improvements in early years education, services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and in children’s social care.

She praised the work of those working in local authority children’s services, saying: “I recognise the difficult decisions you make and your tireless efforts for children and families.”

The Education Secretary acknowledged “pressures flowing down” on local authority children’s services due to increased need for family support with child poverty, the cost-of-living crisis, poor mental health and growing numbers of children accessing SEND support.

Her message came following a speech by ADCS president for 2024/45, Andy Smith, director of children’s and adult services at Derby City Council.

Smith told delegates that while the government’s commitment to reduce child poverty was “ambitious”, it “doesn’t go far enough”.

He said: “We need to eradicate child poverty if we are to start to create a society that is based on the principles of social justice and recognises the importance of childhood for all children.”

He added that “the impact of 14 years of austerity on public services has meant that the very social fabric which many of us rely upon has been eradicated”.

“While there continues to be a funding gulf in children’s services, the overall perilous state of local government finance must be addressed if we are serious about addressing the growing inequalities that have been left to go unchecked. Long term, sustainable funding for local government is the only solution,” he said.

Smith further called for sustainable funding to reform children’s social care and urgent work to reduce profiteering from children’s social care by some private placement providers and social work agencies.

He urged government to move responsibility for youth justice, including the Youth Justice Board, to the Department for Education.

The call comes just 24-hours after Phillipson announced a restructure within DfE which will see SEND policy more from the children and families brief to schools.