Break-up of DSCF draws criticism from profession

The Tory-Lib Dem government’s decision to rename the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) has proved unpopular among children’s professionals, as the sector speculates on its implications for a restructuring of children’s services.

It is not yet clear what the function of the newly-created Department for Education will be and which parts of the former DCSF are to be re-located to other departments or scrapped all-together.

YoungMinds director of policy and campaigns Lucie Russell was sceptical about the changes that the new government is making. “Disbanding the DCSF would be a big mistake. Labour put a lot of things in place that work really well, so we would question whether replacing these things and starting all over again would be the best option.”

Early Education chief executive Megan Pacey said that name-changes could point to structural changes too, something which she said would be a cause for concern. “It remains to be seen whether the department name change is symptomatic of more fundamental change in focus and responsibility.  To date, in setting out his stall, the Secretary of State has made reference only to schools.”

Daycare Trust chief executive Alison Garnham said that the question marks hanging over the sector need to be answered quickly. “The policy direction that this Lib-Con coalition will take is not yet crystal clear. Policies on issues such as the shape of the new department and whether this will continue to take in both early years and education, as well as the future of the free entitlement and Sure Start Children’s Centres, must be clarified immediately.”

Pacey also highlighted the administrative problems caused by a sudden name-change of the department. “At this stage, the change in name amounts to an inconvenience. References to the previously named Department for Children, Schools and Families will need to be updated in materials and web links will need to be amended to ensure that our members can continue to access all legislation and statutory guidance,” she added. 

The sector is now waiting with bated breath until the true role and substance of the Department of Education is revealed.