Mental health is ‘biggest issue’ for children
Mental health is the “biggest issue” facing children during the pandemic, the Children’s Commissioner for England has said.
Children and young people
Sexual harassment ‘normalised’ in schools
An Ofsted review has found that sexual harassment, including online sexual abuse, has become ‘normalised’ for children and young people in schools.
Rise in EHCPs ‘a pressing issue’ for councils
New figures show that the number of children and young people in England with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) was up 10 per cent at 430,697 in January 2021.
Children locked down in temporary accommodation
The LGA has warned that around 450 primary schools’ worth of homeless children are spending lockdown in temporary accommodation, amid a chronic shortage of affordable housing.
Child harm cases rise by more than a quarter
Serious child-related incidents reported by councils have risen by more than a quarter during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to LGA analysis of latest figures.
Fresh vision for early years
Seamless support and a ‘welcoming hub’ for families are among new proposals for ensuring babies and young children get the best possible start to life.
Helping disadvantaged young people
Councils can make a difference when it comes to helping young people at risk of dropping out of school or work.
LGA: ‘Restore £1.7 billion early intervention funding’
The LGA has called for £1.7 billion in government cuts to early intervention funding to be reversed, as councils prepare for a surge in demand for support for children and young people who have “disappeared” during the pandemic.
Funding for early help ‘critical’
As we re-enter a difficult period of rising COVID-19 infections, it’s a good time to look back at what lessons we can learn from the first wave of coronavirus for the delivery of services to vulnerable children and families.