Nursery World - How devolution helps children

Devolution in Scotland has had a positive impact on children's services, even though the approach to change has been 'fairly timid' despite some radical policy changes, according to a report by the charity NCH. The report, United for children?, which analyses how devolution has affected children's policy in the UK since its introduction four years ago, says political devolution is an opportunity to bring policymaking closer to children, young people, families and communities and make it more effective.

The report, United for children?, which analyses how devolution has affected children's policy in the UK since its introduction four years ago, says political devolution is an opportunity to bring policymaking closer to children, young people, families and communities and make it more effective.

'If good communication can be developed, devolution will help us all to learn from each other across national boundaries,' says the report.

But the Scottish Parliament, which has a different legal system than the Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies and is able to pass primary legislation, is criticised for not making enough use of its powers to effect social and economic change. The report says, 'There has been no coherent or consistent programme of reform, and although they have fewer powers, the Welsh and Northern Ireland assemblies have been more successful in stamping their authority on policy and challenging the UK government's control.'

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