We are the UK Government’s independent adviser on sustainable development. Through advocacy, advice and
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Publications

Every Child's Future Matters

Date:14/08/2007
Classification:Education
Document type:SDC Reports & Papers
Download:ecfm3_report_w.pdf - 3384 KB
Summary:imageIt's not just the big issues like climate change that pose problems for children and young people. Many suffer from poor environments on their doorstep bringing, particularly those growing up in low-income families.

The SDC's research shows that the places where children grow up have a major influence on their health and happiness. For example, we know that exposure to road noise can be stressful for children, and that children who play in natural areas gain better balance and agility. Traffic-dominated neighbourhoods are simply bad for everyone’s fitness and health.

Following the release of its Every Child Matters programme, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (now the Department for Education) asked the SDC to explore how the environment might affect the success of their initiative. Written for anyone working to improve the lives of children, Every Child's Future Matters (2007), argues that children must be able to get around safely by foot and bicycle, use our streets for social activity and play, and connect with nature in green and natural spaces.

This revised version (April 2010) includes updated resource lists and new government policy supporting improvements to the places children live, learn and play.

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