Early years reform guidance published
The Government has published updated guidance supporting councils to ensure childcare providers make all additional charges clear and upfront to parents.
Children and young people
‘Trillion-pound’ cost of children’s mental health
New research has warned the mental health crisis facing children and young people will prevent the Government from boosting economic growth, as well as having an impact on the lives of thousands of young people.
13,000 children’s social workers needed – LGA
The number of children’s social workers employed by councils will need to increase by 13,000 – nearly a third – over the next decade because of growing need and to reduce increasing reliance on agency staff.
Youth services ‘under threat’
The LGA has warned that youth services are “under threat” without fresh investment in local grass-roots provision for young people.
Ofsted warns of ‘huge challenges’
While there are many reasons to be positive about the future of education and children’s social care, huge challenges remain.
Improving educational outcomes for care leavers
Young people with care backgrounds are a priority group for targeted support to increase their access to further and higher education.
‘Devolve sugar tax to councils’
The LGA has renewed calls for the soft drinks levy to be devolved to councils.
SEND system ‘not financially sustainable’
A report by the National Audit Office has found that England’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system is not delivering better outcomes for children and young people.