Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the second edition of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s newsletter which provides a flavour of what we have been doing over the last two months. You will see that we have been as busy as ever.

I am delighted that a number of articles have been written by children and young people, and would draw your particular attention to their words. I also urge you to read the other articles, of course!

In the new publications section you can download our business plan, which sets out our 2010-2011 work programme. This year, our work is focusing on six areas: safeguarding; health; education; celebrating the contribution children and young people make; asylum and youth justice.

I hope you also enjoy the article on my recent visit to two Unicef Rights Respecting Schools in Hampshire, which were both inspirational places to spend time.

We received some excellent feedback on the first edition of the newsletter and I welcome your comments and views on this one also. You can contact me or any of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s staff by emailing: info.request@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk

I hope you find the newsletter informative and pass it on to people who may be interested in our work, including children and young people you work with. You can sign up to receive it here or forward it to a friend using the button above.

And finally, here’s a plug on which to close: sign up for Takeover Day 2010, details and launch materials all to be found below, and book the date in your diaries now: Friday, 12 November.

Until next time, best wishes,

Maggie Atkinson
Children’s Commissioner for England