What the Commissioner can and can’t do quiz

1. Can the Children’s Commissioner change the law?

a) Yes, and he will be changing the law on pocket money real soon.
b) No, he is only one person and he has not got the time to try.
c) No, but he can make suggestions that will shape the way that laws are made and when they are being changed he can make recommendations.

2. Does the commissioner have any special powers?

a) Yes, he has the powers to enter any premises (other than individual homes) and he has the power to call for an Inquiry and the power to make recommendations.
b) No, don’t be silly, the only person who has special powers is Father Christmas.
c) Yes, he can fly and see thorough doors.

3. How does the Children’s Commissioner show he listens to children?

a) Children and young people have helped to select each member of staff at 11MILLION.
b) Children and young people have selected how half the budget is spent and are involved in shaping how we will work next year.
c) He says “that’s very nice dear” and then falls asleep.

4. What can the Children’s Commissioner do for me?

a) He can get free tickets to the cinema for you and your mates.
b) He can take my carer to court for not looking after me properly.
c) He can only deal with individual cases if it relates to an important issue that affects a group of other children.

5. Can the Commissioner champion the cause of children at a high level?

a) Yes, he has the ear of key government ministers and other important people who make decisions.
b) No, he can only speak to your head teacher
c) Yes, he spoke to the caretaker at your school and he agreed that things were terrible too.

6. Does the Government have to listen to what the Commissioner says?

a) No, the Government only listens to the Queen.
b) No, the Government will continue to listen to the children in England.
c) Yes, not only do they have to listen but the also have to tell him what they intend to do about his recommendations.

7. Will the Commissioner keep my secret about abuse?

a) Yes, he’s good at keeping secrets.
b) No, he has to tell people like the NSPCC [www.nspcc.org.uk] to try and get it stopped.

8. Does the Children’s Commissioner have to talk to all children before he can make a recommendation?

a) Yes, and he will be coming to your house to ask your views real soon.
b) No, he only has to speak to his children and grandchildren.
c) No, he will try to speak to as many children and young people in England as possible who have a view on any particular topic but there is no set number.

Scroll down to reveal the correct answers…

1 C
2 A
3 B
4 B
5 A
6 C
7 B
8 C