New Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Children announced

On Wednesday 15 September 2021, Nadhim Zahawi MP was appointed the new Secretary of State for Education as part of the Government’s latest Cabinet reshuffle, replacing Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP. On Friday, it was announced that Vicky Ford MP, the current Minister for Children and Families, would be moving on to become the Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with Will Quince MP appointed as the new Minister for Children and Families.

From 2018 to 2019, Mr Zahawi was the Minister for Children and Families. During that time, Home for Good worked closely with him to bring about improvements to the Adoption Support Fund and to ensure that individuals and families from faith communities are welcomed as they step forward to consider fostering or adoption. We welcome the ambitious and innovative approach taken by Mr Zahawi and are looking forward to working with him again as he takes up this post, recognising the opportunities that are at hand.

In an open letter to education and care professionals, Mr Zahawi stated: “With your help, we are going to transform the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, including those with special educational needs and disabilities and in care, and ensure that those who have lost the most from the pandemic can recover and flourish, and that prosperity benefits all.”

We commend Mr Zahawi for his commitment to vulnerable children and will support him in ensuring that care experienced children remain at the heart of his work.

In addition, we warmly welcome Will Quince MP to his new role as the Minister for Children and Families. Mr Quince previously held the post of Minister for Welfare Delivery, which included responsibilities such as delivering support for disadvantaged groups (including care leavers) on Universal Credit. As Children’s Minister, he will take a leading role in overseeing children’s social care. This is an important role within Government and Home for Good is looking forward to collaborating with Mr Quince to achieve tangible and robust change for vulnerable children.

Mr Quince stated, “I am delighted to have been appointed as a Minister at the Department of Education. I am thoroughly looking forward to working with Nadhim Zahawi and the team to improve the life chances of children and young people.”

These appointments come at a crucial time, with the Spending Review only weeks away and with the current Review of Children’s Social Care preparing to make its final recommendations to Government in Spring 2022. Home for Good remains committed to achieving our vision of a home for every child who needs one. We welcome Nadhim Zahawi MP and Will Quince MP to their new roles and look forward to working closely with them to ensure that children within the care system are thriving within homes that are havens and that every child has a family or tribe by their side for life.