Commenting as the Children’s Commissioner warned about a ‘crisis in childhood’ as she hosted the inaugural Festival of Childhood - calling on decision makers to listen to children - Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"Schools know from first-hand experience the value and importance of listening to pupils and involving them in decision making. There are some really complex and unprecedented challenges facing children and young people right now – growing up in the modern world can be tough. There is no doubt that policy makers should prioritise really listening to their experiences and not assume that adults hold all the answers."