Realising Britain's Potential

The Prime Minister's Strategy Unit have taken a look at the long term challenges facing the UK and released this paper in response.

- Global competitive forces will intensify increasing the need for the UK's education and skills to become and remain world-class.

- There will be increased emphasis on the high value-added sectors, with the creative industries and financial services seeing growth.

- The UK will need to become more flexible and entrepreneurial.

- Investment in early years education is proven to improve educational attainment in other countries.

- Staying on track and developing talent throughout school is key to making a successful transition to university or work.

- Higher level skills as well as "soft skills" (such as interpersonal skills, team working skills) will be needed.

- Tailored and personalised support will be required to ensure those currently seen as hard to reach are supported effectively.

- Parental support is crucial to their children's success, supporting parents therefore helps their children.

- Innovation and diversity in supply is needed to ensure effective public services are delivered.

- Shifting resources from problem solving to prevention and early intervention will assist.

- Increasing emphasis on professional development in public services alongside continued focus on value for money.

The clip below is a few months earlier (October 2007) but summarises the main themes.