Lobbying and influencing

4Children works constructively with policy makers and politicians from across the political spectrum. We know that in order to achieve change for children and families we need to win the argument with those that have the power to make change happen.

Links with Government

In April 2011 4Children became the Department for Education’s lead Strategic Partner for early years and childcare. This means that we have a crucial role in co-producing policy with the Government and representing the sector’s views and experiences.

4Children’s Chief Executive, Anne Longfield, is also a member of a ‘critical friends’ group advising Ministers on the future of youth policy.

Engaging with the Opposition

4Children was invited to be a part of Ed Miliband’s first People’s Policy Forum held in Nottingham in March 2011. Director of Public Affairs at 4Children, Claire McCarthy, joined a discussion panel with Shadow Cabinet Members Liam Byrne, Angela Eagle and John Healy which was chaired by Joan Bakewell. For more information visit www.fresh-ideas.org.uk/.

4Children has given evidence to the Labour Party’s Education and Employment Policy Commission and has contributed to Tessa Jowell’s review of family policy.

Working with Parliamentarians

4Children provides the secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sure Start Children’s Centres. The group’s aims are to champion the good work of children’s centres; to identify and share good practice; and to consider and inform policy development on key issues. Read more about this APPG and access materials from past meetings.

4Children submits evidence to Select Committee inquiries. Anne Longfield has given evidence to Select and Standing Committees on numerous occasions, most recently as part of inquiries into Sure Start Children’s Centres and the abolition of the Child Trust Fund.