State of London's Children report welcomed in campaign to improve the lives of the children

Commenting on the launch of the State of London's Children report, London Councils Executive Member for Children and Young People, Councillor James Kempton said:

"London Councils welcomes this report as a timely illustration both of what has been achieved for the capital's children - and what we still need to do to ensure every London child gets the best possible start in life.

"It provides a wealth of information on what it means to be a young person in today's London, and there is much to celebrate. Some children in London have always had the chance of an excellent education. But now many more are benefiting from higher standards. GCSE results have improved faster here than in the rest of the country and one in three of our schools are achieving outstanding results.

"But this report also reminds all of us in London government of our greatest challenge: tackling the shockingly high numbers of children growing up in poverty, and the impact this has both on their education and the chance of reaching their full potential. The key message from this report is that we must do more to help parents and families. All London's children need the best possible start in life - whatever their background."

The State of London's Children report was launched today by the Mayor of London at the London Child Poverty Commission's international conference at London Zoo.

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