This is the ninth edition of our annual Report Card series, launched in 2009. Report Card 2017 is the first edition of the new series since the publication of 'A Programme for Partnership Government in May 2016 following the General Election. With the new Government comes a new set of commitments to be examined in the Report Card.

The Government is awarded an overall 'D+' grade in Report Card 2017, reflecting a barely acceptable performance to date with little or no positive impact on children. However, it must be remembered that this Government has only been in power since May 2016. While the highest grade in Report Card 2017 is a 'B' for Subsidised and School-Age Childcare, the lowest grades have been awarded for Child and Family Homelessness and Traveller and Roma Children, both receiving an 'E'. The Children's Rights Alliance acknowledges the important groundwork that has been carried out in a number of areas but it is clear that much more must be done. We look forward to seeing greater progress over the coming year.