As Children’s Commissioner, I am writing to ask you to ensure all of your children complete my new survey, The Big Future.

Under the Children Act 2004, it is my role to promote the views and interests of children in England, and I have done this so far by conducting the two largest ever children’s surveys: The Big Ask and The Big Ambition.

Now, for the first time, hundreds of thousands of children will be eligible to vote in the next general election, the biggest change to the franchise in half a century. Yet just one in five children say politicians listen to them. That’s why I’m launching my final survey, The Big Future.

Your students should complete the survey here: http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture.

I want to make sure that I hear from as many children as possible, aged 0-18, from all backgrounds, in all schools and colleges, and in every part of the country. To do that, I need your help.

I am asking children about the changes they want to see in their communities, their biggest concerns, and their hopes for the future. More than anything, I want to know what they think a good childhood should look like today.

I am asking you to share the survey with all the children, parents and carers in your school or college community. Schools and colleges that achieve high participation rates will receive formal recognition for their contribution to amplifying children’s voices and encouraging civic engagement, and a summary of their pupils’ responses.

I would be grateful if you could ensure that every child in your school or college has taken part before the deadline of Friday 23 October.

I will be publishing my findings next year, and they will be used to advocate at the highest level for solutions that children want to see, to the problems that they tell me are most important to them.

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Dame Rachel de Souza
Children’s Commissioner