Children across the country will be taking part in this year’s Shout Out 4Children Week, with its theme this year of Childhood Today. They will be telling adults, policy makers, childcare workers and parents what kind of childhood they want and deserve.

The week, run by children’s charity, 4Children, will highlight the issues that are really important to children. It is also a chance to put a spotlight on activities and work done with children and families every day.

Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children says: “Shout Out 4Children Week is a time to hear what children and young people have to say about their lives. It is also a time to recognise the hard work of those people that support children and families every day - whether in children’s centres, childcare, schools or other children’s services. Our children’s expectations about the future are high. We all have a responsibility to ensure we make it happen.”

Shout Out 4Children Week is a highlight of the year for children, families and those that support and care for them. This year it includes:

26 June ‘Listen to us!’: Launch of Shout Out 4Children Week with 4Children’s annual Buzz Survey. A national survey of the views of children and young people. The survey will include what childhood really means to today’s children and how today’s children see the world around them.

27 June ‘Making it Happen’: A major national conference on Sure Start Children’s Centres, Extended Schools and Childcare. A key conference focusing on how to deliver comprehensive, high quality, sustainable support for children and families in every area, in line with the government’s ten-year plan.

28 June ‘Shaping the Agenda’: 4Children Summer Reception with guest speaker, Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families. MPs, childcare workers and, most importantly, children will be celebrating the gains and growth of the children’s services sector and looking to the future. Children will also be invited to tell their own stories of childhood experiences and inform the debate on future childcare and childhood provision.
Venue: The Atrium Café, Westminster, London.

29 June Childcare Stars Awards 2006: 4Children’s annual gala celebrations that recognise and reward the best of those who work in childcare. The awards, supported by Sure Start, are the highlight of Shout Out 4Children Week and will be attended by celebrities and public figures such as Esther Ranzen, Nicholas Parsons, Vanessa Feltz and Beverley Hughes MP, Minster for Children, Young People and Families.
Venue: The Underglobe, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London

Local and Regional Activities

As well as national events, thousands of local and regional activities are also being organised right across the UK. Activities will range from sports schemes to performances and music programmes. Media celebrities, MPs, opinion formers and, of course, childcare workers will all be taking part.

Shout Out 4Children Week is part of June’s National Sure Start Month which gives parents the opportunity to find out more about facilities and services that are available for them and their children. For more information go to: www.nationalsurestartmonth.com

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