Children’s commissioner welcomed

Professor Al Aynsley-Green will be the first Children’s
Commissioner in England, the education secretary Ruth Kelly has
announced.

Professor Aynsley-Green, who is National Clinical Director for
Children at the Department of Health, will act as an independent
advocate for children and young people’s rights. He will have
powers to seek their views and identify their needs,  investigate
any matter relating to their interests and well-being, and initiate
inquiries on their behalf.

His appointment has been widely welcomed.

National Children’s Bureau chief executive Paul Ennals
said: “He has shown the ability and determination to make a
real difference to children’s lives.”

Carolyne Willow, national co-ordinator for the Children’s
Rights Alliance for England, said: “Professor Aynsley-Green
has an excellent track record of pushing forward children’s
interests and concerns.”