Children's Commissioner for England evaluates opportunities and challenges facing young people in educational and community settings, Bradford, 8th May 2017

On the 8th May 2017 as part of Forward Thinking's UK 'Building Bridges' Programme, a roundtable discussion was held with Martin Lennon, policy adviser from the Children's Commissioner's Office, Max Hill QC, the new Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, and a diverse group of young people, community members, teachers, parents, academics and education professionals, from across  Batley, Bolton, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Leeds and Manchester. Holistic and frank discussions explored various aspects of current opportunities and challenges, within community and educational settings.The dialogue will form part of the evidence collected for the ongoing Commissioner's 'Growing Up North Project', which aims to understand the barriers inhibiting the progression of children and young people to living full and successful lives in the North of England. Recognising that around 50 per cent of British Muslims live in 10 per cent of the most disadvantaged local authorities, developing understanding around the complex interplay of education, wealth, health, labour markets, and employment opportunities that affect young people's life chances is crucial. In particular the the impact of counter terrorism legislation and policy, and the Prevent Duty, in community and educational settings were discussed.