The British Betrayal of Childhood Challenging Uncomfortable Truths and Bringing About Change

With provocative insight and based on an illustrious 40-year career in public office, Sir Al Aynsley-Green demands to know why outcomes for the UK’s children for health, education, social care, youth justice and poverty remain among the worst in the developed world. He draws global comparisons and offers astute observations of the realities of being a young person in Britain today, to show how government policies have been shamefully failing children on a grand scale. Prioritising the need to support and inspire all children, including those with disability or disadvantage, and to design services around their needs, Sir Al puts forward a brave and timely alternative for the UK. By building local communities, shifting national attitudes, and confronting barriers between sectors, he presents a fresh and realistic road map that can enable new generations of children to be as healthy, educated, creative and resilient as they can be, equipped with the confidence and skills they need to lead happy and successful lives. A must-read for those engaged in children’s services, policy and parenting in the UK, Sir Al confronts the obstacles and attitudes faced by young people today with tact, honesty and compassion, to offer his vision of a society in which each and every child is valued.

Acknowledgements Preface Introduction Part I: Why should we be concerned about children? Chapter 1: Where have we come from? Chapter 2: Why are other countries so good for children? Part II: Childhood in the UK today Chapter 3: What’s it like to be young in the UK today? Chapter 4: Insights into the socio-political betrayal of children Chapter 5: The biggest betrayals of childhood Part III: How can we bring about change? Chapter 6: Bringing about change Chapter 7: Endnote Index

Sir Al Aynsley-Green has over 40 years of experience working with governments and organisations worldwide. He was the first National Clinical Director for Children in government, the first Children’s Commissioner for England and President of the British Medical Association. He is now Professor Emeritus of Child Health, University College London and Visiting Professor of Advocacy for Children and Childhood at Nottingham Trent University, UK.