Million more pupils could have free school meals
More than a million additional school children could receive free school meals and be entitled to extra support funding if the scheme was simplified and extended to more families.
Children and young people
Agreeing to disagree
Ahead of the Government’s much-anticipated review of the support provided to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the LGA has commissioned research into the huge rise in legal disputes and tribunal hearings since the SEND reforms of 2014.
Social worker shortages
Councils are facing a staffing crisis in children’s social care, with the number of children and family social workers quitting their jobs at a five-year high, potentially putting thousands of young people at risk.
Making change happen in the early years
In 2020, the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) published a review of children’s centres and family hubs.
Surge in children with mental health problems
The LGA has warned of a rise in the number of children with mental health problems seen by social workers, which has surged by a quarter since before the coronavirus pandemic.
Support for special guardians
Twins Kai and Danilo* are infectiously funny, brilliantly sassy, and fabulously stylish.
Enterprising young people
Launch It runs enterprise centres in deprived communities, encouraging more young people in these areas to start businesses.
Children at the centre of recovery
The pandemic has exacerbated pressures on families and children’s services.
Levelling up the next generation
A cross-Whitehall strategy is needed to put children and young people at the heart of the pandemic recovery and ensure every child can regain lost learning and life experiences, the LGA has said.
Younger people more susceptible to being scammed
People between the ages of 16 and 34 are more susceptible to being scammed and account for more than half of the scams experienced in the UK.