Reshuffle speculation continues with claims that the prime minister will appoint a minister for children later this week.

Based in the Department for Education and Skills, the FT reports that the new minister will tackle social exclusion issues such as truancy, literacy and crime.

Forum Response: Barnardo's

Neera Sharma, principal policy officer at Barnardo's, told ePolitix.com: "Although Barnardo's would welcome the creation of such a post, it strongly urges the government to set up the post of an Independent Children's Rights Commissioner for England.

"It is questionable whether a ministerial post, which has a very narrow focus on particular policy areas, would have the remit to work effectively across government departments.

"If the government is serious about promoting the rights and interests of all children and ensuring the full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child then it must take the step of introducing an independent commissioner."

Forum Response: The Children's Society

Kathy Evans, principal policy and practice manager for the Children's Society, told ePolitix.com: "We welcome proposals for a dedicated minister for children but are interested to see what responsibilities and powers that minister will have.

"The critical question is how effective this new minister will be in coordinating policy for children across other departments."