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Children's News Feed

Automatically curated from DfE announcements, education news, and sector updates.

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Early years chief defends sector against 'despicable headlines' and profit claims
Early Years Jun 29, 2026

Early years chief defends sector against 'despicable headlines' and profit claims

Early Years Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch has robustly defended early years professionals against accusations that they prioritise profit over children's best interests, telling delegates at the organisation's annual conference that their extraordinary care is seen and valued despite negative media narratives.

Youngest Children Face Longest Waits for Mental Health Support, Commissioner Finds
Early Years Jun 29, 2026

Youngest Children Face Longest Waits for Mental Health Support, Commissioner Finds

Children under six are experiencing the longest delays in accessing mental health services compared to other age groups, according to a new report by the Children’s Commissioner for England. The findings reveal concerning disparities in early years support, with the youngest children left waiting longest for vital interventions during crucial developmental stages.

White working-class children failed by England’s school system, inquiry finds
Education Jun 29, 2026

White working-class children failed by England’s school system, inquiry finds

Report says once-in-a-generation changes needed to tackle why such children are lowest-performing large demographicUK politics live – latest updatesThe education system is “not set up to serve white working-class children and families”, an independent inquiry has concluded.The Independent Inquiry in...

Major Report Exposes 'White Working-Class Disadvantage Gap' in Education
Education Jun 29, 2026

Major Report Exposes 'White Working-Class Disadvantage Gap' in Education

A major inquiry has identified a significant 'white working-class disadvantage gap' within the education system, finding that current structures fail to adequately serve children from this background. Addressing these deep-rooted disparities will require sustained national effort and systemic reform over many years.

White working class children failed by education system, argues report
Education Jun 29, 2026

White working class children failed by education system, argues report

The education system is failing white working class children rather than the other way around, according to new analysis. The article argues that years of systemic neglect have eroded family confidence in educational institutions, leaving too many young people without the support they deserve.

Children's Mental Health Crisis: Referrals Pass One Million for First Time
Policy Jun 28, 2026

Children's Mental Health Crisis: Referrals Pass One Million for First Time

For the first time, over one million children in England have active referrals to mental health services, with demand rising faster than ever before. The Children's Commissioner warns that growing waiting lists leave increasing numbers of children waiting months or years for vital support.

Children's Mental Health Referrals Top One Million as Demand Outstrips System Capacity
Policy Jun 28, 2026

Children's Mental Health Referrals Top One Million as Demand Outstrips System Capacity

Demand for children’s mental health services has reached a record high, with over one million children in England holding active referrals to NHS services for the first time. The Children’s Commissioner warns that demand is rising faster than systems can respond, leaving growing numbers of vulnerable children waiting months or even years for vital support.

Restoring Faith in Degrees: Ministers Must Address Falling Graduate Premiums
Policy Jun 28, 2026

Restoring Faith in Degrees: Ministers Must Address Falling Graduate Premiums

New research reveals that one in four UK graduates now face negative financial returns on their degrees, while public confidence in university education has plummeted from 14% to 34% over two decades. The Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that lifetime earnings premiums have shrunk by roughly 30%, exacerbated by recent unfavourable changes to student loan repayment terms.

Digital language learning and the modern skills journey: David Sedaris on Duolingo
Education Jun 28, 2026

Digital language learning and the modern skills journey: David Sedaris on Duolingo

Author David Sedaris describes his intensive approach to language learning through digital platforms, combining daily exercise with studying Japanese, German, Spanish and French. His experience highlights both the accessibility of modern skill development tools and the potential for obsessive engagement with gamified learning applications.