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Education 1 month ago

Late-night kick-offs: Should young fans stay up for 1am World Cup clash?

England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested young supporters should stay up to watch the national team's decisive 1am World Cup match against Mexico, sparking debate amongst parents and educators. The late-night kick-off raises questions about balancing sporting enthusiasm with children's sleep needs and next-day school attendance.

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Almost one in five baby and toddler groups face closure as costs surge
Early Years Jul 2, 2026

Almost one in five baby and toddler groups face closure as costs surge

New research from the Early Years Alliance reveals that nearly 20% of baby and toddler groups across England are at risk of shutting down due to soaring running costs. These vital community services, which support families from birth to age five, are struggling to survive amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.

A million young lives on hold: The urgent case for earlier mental health intervention
Policy Jun 30, 2026

A million young lives on hold: The urgent case for earlier mental health intervention

The Children's Commissioner for England has highlighted that one million young people are awaiting mental health support, with many calling for intervention to begin before crisis hits. Drawing on responses from The Big Future consultation, the article argues for a fundamental shift toward early prevention rather than reactive treatment.

Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs
Schools Jun 30, 2026

Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs

A new report reveals that families across the UK are being forced into debt, skipping meals and relying on food banks as they struggle to meet the spiralling costs of school holidays. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted financial support and accessible holiday provision to prevent vulnerable households from reaching crisis point.

Sam Smethers: Reforming separation to protect survivors of economic abuse
Safeguarding Jun 30, 2026

Sam Smethers: Reforming separation to protect survivors of economic abuse

Sam Smethers argues that current legal reforms present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make separation processes fairer and safer for survivors of economic abuse. This article explores how recognising financial coercion within family breakdown can strengthen local safeguarding and early help services.

Working with Parents: Why Boredom Benefits Early Development
Early Years Jun 30, 2026

Working with Parents: Why Boredom Benefits Early Development

Resisting the urge to hand a child a screen when they complain of boredom opens up valuable opportunities for imaginative play and meaningful social interaction. This approach supports the cognitive and emotional foundations that prepare children for lifelong learning and school readiness.

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.

Landmark study warns screen time harms development of under-twos
Policy Jun 27, 2026

Landmark study warns screen time harms development of under-twos

New research has linked screen time for babies and toddlers under two with long-term negative effects on health and quality of life. The study warns of wide-ranging developmental concerns and calls for urgent investigation into the risks posed by smartphones, tablets and other digital devices.

Over 4,000 sign petition to prevent closure of South Tyneside nurseries
Early Years Jun 22, 2026

Over 4,000 sign petition to prevent closure of South Tyneside nurseries

More than 4,000 residents have signed a petition calling on South Tyneside Council to reconsider plans to review its early years provision. Campaigners fear the review could result in the closure of up to 12 nurseries based within Family Hubs, sparking widespread concern about the impact on local families and early childhood education.

Keeping Children Safe: Essential Heatwave Guidance for Families
Safeguarding Jun 19, 2026

Keeping Children Safe: Essential Heatwave Guidance for Families

As temperatures climb across the country, children remain particularly susceptible to heat-related illness and dehydration. These practical safeguarding tips help parents and carers recognise the risks and take simple steps to keep youngsters cool, hydrated and protected during extreme heat.

Healthy Start Scheme Payments ‘Failing to Keep Up with Inflation’, Researchers Warn
Early Years Jun 18, 2026

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.

Quarter of Eligible Families Missing Out on Healthy Start Nutrition Scheme
Early Years Jun 17, 2026

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.

Research Links Early Childhood Physical Punishment to Teenage Bullying Behaviour
Safeguarding Jun 11, 2026

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.