This week we heard that the Education Secretary's choice of next #ChildrensCommissioner doesn't yet know whether children in England should have the same legal protection from assault as adults. This is fundamental to children's rights theory and practice. One of the most 1/9

powerful adult expositions comes from Astrid Lindgren, the creator of Pippi Longstocking. When she accepted a Peace Prize in 1978 - the year before Sweden became the first country to grant children equal protection - Lindgren recounted a story told to her by an older woman2/9

Keeping with Astrid Lindgren, the first English language biography of her quotes her approach to parenting. She said of her two young children: "I took their side against myself". Meaning Lindgren always endeavoured to see how life looked from her children's perspectives. 3/9

You could say such a sentiment was behind the actions of local authorities who, long before the law required them to, appointed children's rights officers and advocates to make sure the child's perspective was understood and their voice amplified. Powerful adults appointing 4/9

other adults to be 100% focused on children and their rights comes from a position of strength, and shows a preparedness to see things differently, to be challenged, to be wrong and to change direction for children. Yesterday's report & letter from the Education Select Cttee 5/9

raises serious concerns about the appointment process for the new Children's Commissioner. We don't yet have critical details about the assessment process, inc how children were involved. The Cttee has asked for more information. We do, however, know that the law is clear 6/9

that this role is for children and their rights. & that since 2014, the Commissioner has had particular legal obligations towards children in care and others living away from home. Those new responsibilities followed the deletion of the Children's Rights Director post. 7/9

That was created to prevent abuse in care and to ensure children were never again silenced and ignored.

Government ministers and others who enjoy great power and influence have plenty of mechanisms for their wishes, feelings and views to be heard and acted upon. 8/9

They don't need the services of a Children's Commissioner as well. /END