Policy Announcements, Friday 06 July

Government

• The government has announced an extra £13.7m to help schools improve the behaviour of pupils. Children, schools and families secretary Ed Balls unveiled the funds, which will be delivered through the social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL) programme over four years. The scheme, which is implemented in 60 per cent of primary schools, teaches pupils how to resolve conflict to help them develop socially and emotionally and deal with anger and anxiety. It encourages children to compete fairly and work cooperatively in order to boost employability skills, focusing on self-understanding, motivation and empathy.
• Government launches new plan to help parents by text messages and social networks. Parents will be able to receive text and instant messages to help them with their children, thanks to a £34m new initiative launched today by Children's and Families Minister Kevin Brennan. Using phone helplines and the internet, 'Parent Know-How' will signpost parents to information and support services. It will be targeted at people who may struggle to find the help they need - such as the parents of disabled children, fathers and those from disadvantaged communities.
• The union flag is flying over Downing Street after Gordon Brown scrapped a rule saying it could be flown only on certain days of the year. The prime minister said it will now be up to individual public offices when they fly Britain's national flag. He said: "When I came into government I realised that you could only fly the flag on 18 days in the year and I thought that was wrong."