Nursery World - Sector still backing beleagured Hodge

Children's charities and early years associations continued to support the appointment of Margaret Hodge as minister for children last week, following concerted criticism in the press and from Conservative MPs of her handling of a child abuse scandal while she was leader of Islington Council in the early 1990s. Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, said that Mrs Hodge - who was appointed children's minister last month - should be judged on her past record as early years minister. He said she had been 'an effective minister for early years, who succeeded in taking forward the agenda in an often neglected area', and praised her success in implementing joined-up action across Government and attracting increased resources, 'a track record which should stand her in good stead in the new and important role of children's minister.'

Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, said that Mrs Hodge - who was appointed children's minister last month - should be judged on her past record as early years minister. He said she had been 'an effective minister for early years, who succeeded in taking forward the agenda in an often neglected area', and praised her success in implementing joined-up action across Government and attracting increased resources, 'a track record which should stand her in good stead in the new and important role of children's minister.'

He added, 'We believe that she should now be judged on what she achieves for children and young people, including strengthening our child protection systems and improving safeguards for all children at risk.'

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