Paul Ennals, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, said that Mrs Hodge - who was appointed children's minister last month - should be judged on her past record as early years minister. He said she had been 'an effective minister for early years, who succeeded in taking forward the agenda in an often neglected area', and praised her success in implementing joined-up action across Government and attracting increased resources, 'a track record which should stand her in good stead in the new and important role of children's minister.'
He added, 'We believe that she should now be judged on what she achieves for children and young people, including strengthening our child protection systems and improving safeguards for all children at risk.'
Gill Haynes, chief executive of the National Childminding Association, said, 'We welcomed Mrs Hodge's appointment and wrote to her to congratulate her. We are delighted the Government has taken a bold move to join children's services together and we look forward to working with her to deliver the joined-up services for children and families that childminders are committed to providing.'
Mrs Hodge will play a critical role in developing the proposals outlined in the Government's forthcoming Green Paper on children at risk, which will set out plans for strengthening the protection of children and present the Government's response to recommendations made by Lord Laming in his inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie. The Green Paper had been due to be published on Friday last week, but will now be delayed until September.
In a press briefing last Friday the Prime Minister's official spokesman said this was because the Green Paper was a very important issue which the Prime Minister wished to be personally associated with and he would be standing beside Mrs Hodge when the paper was launched, showing his strong support for it.
A spokesman for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children expressed disappointment at the delay. 'How- ever, there are complex and important issues to be addressed and it is imperative that the Government gets it right,' he added.
