Nursery World - Interview - Anne Longfield

Anne Longfield OBE has been a passionate champion for children for more than 35 years, taking on the role of England’s Children’s Commissioner in 2015, after running charity 4Children. In an interview with Nursery World, just before her tenure in the post ended on 1 March, she describes the challenges she has faced and her accomplishments over the past six years.

Anne Longfield: 'I think early years is coming of age and has an opportunity to come centre stage'

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED IN THE PAST YEAR DURING THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES?

The last year has not only been the biggest test of whether you can bring children to the fore but also the biggest urgency to do so. Every day since the beginning of lockdown, we have had a 9am meeting where we look at what needs to be done and what urgent issues need to be raised.

Most of these things are behind the scenes, for example, letters to ministers and officials; others involve press liaison. This week, there is a letter going off to Kevin Collins, the new recovery commissioner, and the Prime Minister, outlining the fact that it’s really important to focus on education but children’s well-being must remain a key focus, too.

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