Ed Balls has announced a £396 million extension to the Children's Fund for the next three years. It will be sweet music to all children's workers previously concerned about the existing Fund's end in 2008. Brownie points (no pun intended) for Balls then.
But the sweetness turns to slight bitterness in his maiden speech as secretary of state for children, schools and families. Balls says he wants to "champion" a "grown up relationship" between schools and professionals in children's services. Does that imply that this much-trumpeted relationship is immature? Some would agree. Balls would seem to think so. "Too often, school staff tell me they end up plugging the gaps that other children's professionals should be filling," he says. Then he bangs on about the need for "leadership, judgement and effective partnership." His message? The millions come at a price. Pull your socks up, then you shall have your reward....