To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent assessment he has made of progress in the implementation of the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General's Study on violence against children (A/61299) in ensuring that every child is protected from all forms of physical, sexual and mental violence.

The Government took note of the 'World Report on Violence against Children' and welcomes UN follow-up work, including the appointment, in May this year, of the Special Representative on violence against children. It has made clear its determination to do everything possible to make sure that all child protection services meet the needs of the vulnerable children they serve, and that child protection arrangements are effective everywhere. That is why the Government asked Lord Laming to prepare an urgent report of progress across the country in implementing effective arrangements for safeguarding children.

Lord Laming's progress report confirmed that robust legislative, structural and policy foundations were now in place, but stressed the need for a renewed commitment to child protection at every level of government and across all local services.

The Government have accepted all of Lord Laming's recommendations. Implementation will include a revision of the statutory guidance, 'Working Together to Safeguard Children', which sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

The Government have also published new guidance on safeguarding children from specific forms of child abuse, including sexual exploitation and trafficking, and have recently consulted on guidance aimed at safeguarding children and young people who may be affected by gang activity.