Department for Children, Schools and Families

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) was a department of the UK government, between 2007 and 2010, responsible for issues affecting people in England up to the age of 19, including child protection and education. The DCSF was replaced by the Department for Education after the change of government following the General Election 2010.

History and responsibilities

The DCSF was created on 28 June 2007 following the demerger of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). Unable to remember the new name, many have used mnemonics such as Department for Curtains and Soft Furnishings to serve as a memory aid.

The department was led by Ed Balls. The Permanent Secretary was David Bell.

Other education functions of the former DfES were taken over by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (originally the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, since merged with Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform).

The DCSF was directly responsible for state schools in England.

The Department employed over 2,500 staff.

Locations

In May 2010 the DCSF had four main sites:

• Castle View House, Runcorn
• Moorfoot Building, Sheffield
• Mowden Hall, Darlington
• Sanctuary......
...

Read More