David Cameron has found himself overcome by the festive spirit of Shine Week by hanging out with Simon Cowell at a children's party in celebration of 60 years of the NHS. The two were spotted having a jolly old time at Evelina Children’s Hospital in London whilst inspiring youngsters to… read more…

It's often claimed that the government doesn't really give a damn. Sure, it might act like it does and present a specious image of caring for the public, looking out for the nation's best interests, trying to spread ideas of equality, but if you stop to look at the bigger… read more…

Okay. Sit down. Find something comforting to clutch onto. You might be shocked by this: Brightest poor children do worse than wealthy but dim classmates (!) Pick that jaw up off the floor, it's true. The Sutton Trust and the LSE have been thinking long and hard about this one.… read more…

The BBC: The government (well, Ed Balls) is unveiling its 10-year "vision" for children. Those quotation marks look ominous. Schools are going to have refurbished playgrounds and the like, to "increase play opportunities for children" (Westmonster's non-ominous quotation marks). Sounds very business-like, "play opportunities." Meanwhile, over in The Guardian,… read more…