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Children's News Feed

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

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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.

New Guidance Published on Inclusion Bases Under SEND Reforms
SEND Jun 25, 2026

New Guidance Published on Inclusion Bases Under SEND Reforms

The Department for Education has released long-awaited guidance outlining how inclusion bases will operate within the forthcoming SEND reforms. Schools will need to understand the new requirements for these specialist provisions designed to support pupils who struggle in mainstream classrooms but do not require full-time specialist placement.

Heatwave school attendance: What are your rights as a parent?
Schools Jun 23, 2026

Heatwave school attendance: What are your rights as a parent?

As temperatures soar across the UK, many parents wonder whether they can legally keep children home from school when classrooms become uncomfortably hot. This article clarifies your rights regarding school attendance during extreme weather, alongside guidance for employees concerned about workplace temperatures.

The Invisible Pupils: How Poverty Shapes Educational Outcomes
Education Jun 17, 2026

The Invisible Pupils: How Poverty Shapes Educational Outcomes

Sustained poverty leaves a cumulative mark on children's educational attainment, effectively rendering England's most disadvantaged pupils invisible within the system. This analysis explores how economic disadvantage creates persistent barriers to learning and examines what local authorities can do to ensure every child is seen, supported and able to thrive.

Mental health teams face 'moral dilemma' as schools struggle with 'missing middle'
Schools Jun 16, 2026

Mental health teams face 'moral dilemma' as schools struggle with 'missing middle'

Mental health professionals are being forced into "moral dilemmas" when deciding which children receive support amid growing demand and constrained resources. Schools are increasingly placed in an "insidious" position, struggling to help the "missing middle" of pupils whose needs are too complex for universal provision but do not meet thresholds for specialist services.

Ofsted claims grammar schools are inclusive despite selective intake
Schools Jun 11, 2026

Ofsted claims grammar schools are inclusive despite selective intake

Ofsted has reportedly suggested that grammar schools can be considered inclusive institutions, reigniting debate about selective education and accessibility. The comments raise questions about how inspection frameworks evaluate equity within England's partially selective school system.

Cosmeticorexia: Safeguarding Children from Harmful Social Media Beauty Trends
Safeguarding Jun 6, 2026

Cosmeticorexia: Safeguarding Children from Harmful Social Media Beauty Trends

Social media algorithms are driving an alarming trend among school-age girls towards excessive skincare routines and 'cosmeticorexia', with experts warning of lasting damage to both physical health and self-esteem. The booming children's beauty market raises urgent questions for safeguarding leads and education professionals about protecting young people from exploitation.

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.