The government’s decision to create the post of minister of state for children and make her responsible for most provision for children outside the health service is very encouraging. If her job title means anything Hodge and the experts she will be gathering around her will develop a perspective in which children are seen holistically, and their welfare really does come first.

The decision to locate her post within the Department for Education and Skills is also promising for the millions of children using its services, as it should mean a strong voice for a more child-centred policy approach. Education is the key to many future opportunities, but it must also be a satisfying and enjoyable experience in the present. Children are the consumers of school provision, and schools must be made more attractive, and relevant to their needs and aspirations. This can only be done by listening to children and young people, and taking their views and experiences seriously.

There have been some welcome moves recently within the Department for Education and Skills towards consulting young people about the curriculum, but other policies, such as giving schools powers to punish the parents of truants, are wide of the mark as our investigation this month shows. Much deeper cultural changes are needed if children are to feel they are treated with respect in schools - and if their parents are to be supported to play a full role as partners.

As David Blunkett reportedly pointed out to Tony Blair when he was fighting off proposals for a ministry of justice, change doesn’t happen through rearranging the deck chairs. Hodge’s appointment is certainly a step in the right direction. Time will tell whether it will lead to real gains for children.