The Big Future Survey

Please see attached below a letter sent to the school from Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, regarding her new national survey, The Big Future.

The survey aims to gather the views, concerns and aspirations of young people across the country and will help inform future policy and support for children and families. Dame Rachel is inviting schools to encourage pupils, with parental permission and under supervision, to take part.

We would encourage parents and carers to read the information below and consider supporting their child in completing the survey.

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From Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner

As Children’s Commissioner, I am writing to ask you to ensure all of your children complete my new survey, The Big Future.

Under the Children Act 2004, it is my role to promote the views and interests of children in England, and I have done this so far by conducting the two largest ever children’s surveys: The Big Ask and The Big Ambition.

Now, for the first time, hundreds of thousands of children will be eligible to vote in the next general election, the biggest change to the franchise in half a century. Yet just one in five children say politicians listen to them. That’s why I’m launching my final survey, The Big Future.

Your students should complete the survey here:http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture

I want to make sure that I hear from as many children as possible, aged 0–18, from all backgrounds, in all schools and colleges, and in every part of the country. To do that, I need your help.

I am asking children about the changes they want to see in their communities, their biggest concerns, and their hopes for the future. More than anything, I want to know what they think a good childhood should look like today.

I am asking you to share the survey with all the children, parents and carers in your school or college community. Schools and colleges that achieve high participation rates will receive formal recognition for their contribution to amplifying children’s voices and encouraging civic engagement, and a summary of their pupils’ responses.

To support you to do this, I have created a pack of resources which include an introductory video, a lesson plan, and FAQs, which are available on my website.

I will be publishing my findings next year, and they will be used to advocate at the highest level for solutions that children want to see, to the problems that they tell me are most important to them.

Thank you for your support.