The UK government's public information service has launched a new site designed to teach children about government, public services and the "world around them".

DirectgovKids aims to get children from five to 11 engaged with some of the areas of government that have an impact on their lives, and to help them learn about the society in which they are growing up. 

Beverley Hughes, Minister for Children, Young People and Families, launched the new service at St Edmund's Primary School in Tower Hamlets, which piloted the site.

"DirectgovKids is not only a fantastic learning tool for children, it's great fun too. This is the first time children in the UK have been communicated with directly by government through an online site," she said.

"Young citizens will be able to find out more about the world around them, and how government shapes their day-to-day lives. The site will also give more of a voice to children, allowing them to express their views on current and future policy."

The site is designed to look like a cartoon revolving globe, with interactive buildings that children can investigate, including a town hall, a police station and a school.

DirectgovKids features online activities, games, animations and slideshows. New areas are also being added such as a health centre, a school council voting activity, and a special area where children can have a 'virtual vote' on issues that affect them.

The site can be used in the classroom across the curriculum, as it has many useful lesson materials. It also has more specific applications for the teaching of Citizenship/PSHE for Key Stages 1 and 2. 

Gail O'Flaherty, head teacher at St Edmund's Primary School, said: "A great deal of care has been taken to ensure that this website is attractive to children and easy for them to use.

"It enables children to understand clearly the differences between local and central government and fits in well with the Citizenship curriculum. 

"The site explains many of today's key issues in a fun and informative way, including healthy living and eating, food production and recycling."