Inspiring Futures: Baroness Longfield CBE visits CFGS
On 28th January at Central Foundation Girls’ School (CFGS), Baroness Anne Longfield CBE shared an insightful outlook on future career choices and the importance of children’s wellbeing. She led students through a journey of her life during university, then her involvement in the Sure Start programme to her current role as Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives. Her talk has influenced and motivated many Year 12 students who are currently thinking about their career options.
Who is Baroness Anne Longfield CBE?
Anne was formerly the Children’s Commissioner for England from 2015-2021. She advocates for the improvement of children’s lives and has been a mouthpiece for children's needs.
Her contribution to the development of the Sure Start programme has impacted parents and children, as evidence has shown that children’s attendance at these centres led to a ‘decrease in the number of hospital admissions for children, especially in deprived areas’ (The Health Foundation).
Currently, Anne is the Executive Chair and Founder of the Centre for Young Lives, a think tank aiming to intervene at an early stage in children’s lives to tackle issues that may stunt their achievement in the future.
“She is the prime example of someone who is passionate about children's rights. It makes us, as a collective, feel confident that our future is in the right hands.”
Fatimah 12EHE
The Talk
Anne spoke about her education at Newcastle University where she studied History. Though at first, she was not confident in choosing a specific career path, she was outspoken about her interest in comparing historical sources and research which heavily interested her. This led to her working as a researcher for Save the Children. She commented on how research around children had influenced her to partake in jobs that would involve helping people, most memorably her visit to Sweden to learn about residential and integrated care for children and the improvements that could be made to services in England.
She also urged students about the importance of aiming high and choosing to focus on professions that they are passionate about. Her progressive career journey has given hope to students who are unsure about their next steps after higher education.
“What motivated me was that it can take time to choose the right career, that it is okay to be unsure of what exactly you want to do after university.” Roqaiah 12ACY
She discussed how Covid-19 had raised concerns for the wellbeing of children. There was a rise in poor mental health and delayed social development, reflecting the importance of children's environment and surroundings which impacts their growth.
How does this link to the learning course?
The students who attended this talk study A Level Sociology. Part of the course is around families and households which contains the topic: Childhood and how the lives of children has changed throughout time. Anne’s talk has helped students reflect on how organisations and the government are actively trying to achieve a child-centred society which focuses on young peoples’ wellbeing, education, and health.
Her involvement in the research sector is also useful in understanding how research such as surveys and interviews are also used by sociologists and then analysed by the government to make changes to policies and laws.
Her impact
Anne has impacted many children’s lives, especially the students at CFGS who are now informed about careers and children’s position in society.
“One thing that was motivating was Anne’s perseverance and passion throughout her journey to become the champion she is today, raising children's rights and raising the number of opportunities for vulnerable children.” Mariyah 12JWD
Written by Tanisha 12JWD
