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Children's News Feed

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

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Early Years 9 hours ago

Healthy Start Scheme Payments ‘Failing to Keep Up with Inflation’, Researchers Warn

New research reveals that the Government’s Healthy Start scheme, which provides vital financial support for families to purchase milk, infant formula, and healthy foods, has significantly lost value due to inflation. The findings highlight growing concerns about whether the benefit remains adequate to support pregnant women and young children during the crucial early years.

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Early Years 1 day ago

Quarter of Eligible Families Missing Out on Healthy Start Nutrition Scheme

Nearly one in four mothers eligible for the Government's Healthy Start scheme are not registered to receive support, according to a major infant feeding survey. The findings highlight significant gaps in take-up of the programme, which provides vouchers for milk, formula, fruit and vegetables to support healthy nutrition in the crucial first years of life.

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Safeguarding 1 week ago

Research Links Early Childhood Physical Punishment to Teenage Bullying Behaviour

New research has revealed a concerning correlation between physical punishment in early childhood and an increased likelihood of bullying behaviour during adolescence. The findings suggest that children who experience hitting as a form of discipline are more prone to directing aggressive behaviours towards others, including siblings, as they enter their teenage years.

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Studies Find Shared Play Strengthens Family Bonds
Early Years Jun 11, 2026

Studies Find Shared Play Strengthens Family Bonds

New research demonstrates that shared play between parents and children serves as a powerful catalyst for strengthening emotional and physical connections. The findings highlight the importance of play-based interactions in supporting family relationships and early childhood development.

Study links parental smacking to poor GCSE results and bullying behaviour
Safeguarding Jun 11, 2026

Study links parental smacking to poor GCSE results and bullying behaviour

New UCL research reveals that children physically punished at ages three, five and seven are significantly less likely to pass their GCSEs and more likely to exhibit bullying behaviours. The findings add weight to calls for England to follow Scotland and Wales in implementing a complete ban on physical punishment.

Healthy diet costs 85% of income for poorest families as child obesity rises
Early Years Jun 10, 2026

Healthy diet costs 85% of income for poorest families as child obesity rises

New research reveals that families on the lowest incomes must spend 85 per cent of their disposable income to afford a government-recommended healthy diet. The findings coincide with increasing levels of obesity and tooth decay among Reception-aged children, highlighting the direct link between poverty and early childhood health outcomes.

Documentary showcases council respite support for young carers in Walthamstow
Family Support & Early Help Jun 9, 2026

Documentary showcases council respite support for young carers in Walthamstow

A new documentary highlights the vital work supporting young carers in Walthamstow, where council-led activities provide a rare break for children caring for family members. With over one million young carers in the UK averaging just 12 years old, the film calls for greater recognition of this hidden army and the local authority services that sustain them.

Bereaved pupils need sustained support, not just crisis intervention
Schools Jun 4, 2026

Bereaved pupils need sustained support, not just crisis intervention

Children who have experienced bereavement require consistent, long-term support within educational settings rather than episodic crisis interventions. This approach recognises that grief is a progressive journey that significantly impacts attendance, attainment and wellbeing. Without continuity of care, vulnerable pupils risk falling through gaps in provision and escalating to statutory services.

One year on: Achievements at the 1,001 Critical Days Foundation
Early Years Jun 2, 2026

One year on: Achievements at the 1,001 Critical Days Foundation

Dr Matt Price reflects on twelve months of championing the vital period from conception to age two. The foundation has advanced research and grants to support infant mental health and strengthen early family relationships during this critical developmental window.

Picturebook Reviews: Classic Stories Reimagined for Early Years
Education Jun 2, 2026

Picturebook Reviews: Classic Stories Reimagined for Early Years

Meg Barclay reviews a curated selection of picturebooks that transform classic stories into accessible, visually rich experiences for younger children. These titles combine imaginative storytelling with striking illustrations to support early literacy and language development. The reviews highlight texts particularly suited to shared reading in nurseries, family hubs and early years settings.

Fostering Independence: Supporting Children to Do Things for Themselves
Early Years Jun 1, 2026

Fostering Independence: Supporting Children to Do Things for Themselves

Encouraging children to take responsibility for everyday tasks is fundamental to building confidence and essential life skills. This approach, central to effective Early Help provision, supports school readiness and long-term resilience whilst strengthening family relationships.

Merseyside Borough Bucks National Trend with Early Intervention to Prevent Youth Unemployment
Family Support & Early Help May 30, 2026

Merseyside Borough Bucks National Trend with Early Intervention to Prevent Youth Unemployment

A Merseyside local authority is reversing the UK's rising youth unemployment trend through personalised early intervention programmes targeting under-16s at risk of becoming NEET. By identifying vulnerable pupils before they leave compulsory education and providing tailored support, the council is successfully preventing disengagement and keeping young people connected to positive futures.

BBC investigation exposes lethal baby-sleep advice from unqualified 'experts'
Safeguarding May 5, 2026

BBC investigation exposes lethal baby-sleep advice from unqualified 'experts'

Secret filming by the BBC has revealed alarming guidance being given to parents by self-described baby sleep experts, putting infants at risk of serious harm or death. Medical professionals have warned that the unregulated advice contradicts NHS safe sleep protocols and creates significant safeguarding concerns.

Working with parents: Saying ‘no’
Family Support & Early Help May 1, 2026

Working with parents: Saying ‘no’

It is possible to remain a warm parent while also setting boundaries for your child – and doing so will teach them important life skills. By Annette Rawstrone