Commenting on Mayor Kim McGuinness's launch of the North East Child Poverty Action Plan, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The North East Child Poverty Action Plan is bold and pragmatic, recognising the importance of supporting every child to thrive and achieve their potential. The scale of child poverty across the UK is a national shame and it is heartening to see devolved government step up to tackle this scourge with a set of solutions to both practical and structural barriers to opportunity.
"It is brilliant to see the value of education highlighted in the plan, with aims to drive down the cost of the school day, including the provision of free after-school clubs. We welcome the plan's acknowledgement that we must also value educators by prioritising their wellbeing, development and retention.
"This plan should be an inspiration for the government. Despite having a tiny budget in comparison to Westminster, Mayor Kim McGuinness has shown that by involving the right partners and placing the voices of those living in poverty at the centre of this work, a practical and tangible child poverty strategy can be established.
"We look forward to the UK Child Poverty Taskforce following suit, and the government laying the foundations for this by scrapping the two-child limit and benefit cap."