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Children's News Feed

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

Children's Commissioner warns over safeguarding in police strip searches

The Children's Commissioner for England has exposed serious safeguarding failures affecting thousands of children subjected to police strip searches, following the shocking case of Child Q, a Black schoolgirl searched without an appropriate adult present. The findings highlight stark racial disparities and demand urgent reforms to ensure vulnerable children are protected during interactions with law enforcement.

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Policy Apr 22, 2026

Under-16s Warn of Digital 'Addiction' as Government Considers Social Media Age Limits

Thirty-three children have shared candid insights on proposed restrictions to social media access, revealing complex attitudes toward digital compulsivity and online connectivity. The consultation highlights young people's fears about losing vital social connections alongside recognition of harmful overuse patterns.

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Schools Apr 22, 2026

Calls for clarity over schools smartphone ban

Minister plan to ban smartphones in English schools, but headteachers and campaigners have called for more direction on how to enforce it.

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Safeguarding 1 month ago

Children's Commissioner warns over safeguarding in police strip searches

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Policy 1 month ago

Under-16s Warn of Digital 'Addiction' as Government Considers Social Media Age Limits

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Schools 1 month ago

Calls for clarity over schools smartphone ban

Minister plan to ban smartphones in English schools, but headteachers and campaigners have called for more direction on how to enforce it.

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Schools Apr 22, 2026

Government pressed for clarity on school smartphone ban enforcement

The government's plan to ban smartphones in English schools has drawn calls from headteachers and campaigners for clearer guidance on how to enforce the prohibition. School leaders warn that without detailed direction on implementation, the policy risks creating inconsistent approaches across different settings.

Schools Apr 22, 2026

Smartphones in schools: Why the new statutory ban barely scratches the surface

The UK government's decision to impose a statutory ban on mobile phones in English schools reflects a crisis far deeper than classroom distraction. Teachers report that smartphones have become 'the tobacco of our age', fuelling addiction, safeguarding concerns, and widening attainment gaps. Whilst welcome, enforcement presents significant practical challenges for headteachers already managing tight resources.

Schools Apr 21, 2026

Phones to be banned in schools by law in England under government plans

Education minister Jacqui Smith said the move would create "a clear legal requirement for schools".

Schools Apr 21, 2026

Mobile phones to be banned in schools by law under new government plans

The government has announced plans to introduce a legal requirement for schools in England to ban mobile phones. Education Minister Jacqui Smith confirmed the move would create a clear statutory duty for headteachers and governing bodies to prohibit mobile device use on school premises.

Policy Apr 20, 2026

'Huge relief' as students given loans 'in error' get repayment reprieve

Approximately 22,000 weekend students had been told their courses were never eligible for student finance.

Policy Apr 20, 2026

Thousands of Students Granted Loan Repayment Reprieve After Administrative Error

Approximately 22,000 weekend students have been granted relief from student loan repayments after discovering their courses were wrongly classified as ineligible for finance. The error caused significant distress to part-time learners who faced unexpected demands to return funds.

Policy Apr 19, 2026

New university free speech complaints system to come into force this year

Universities could face fines of £500,000 or 2% of their income if they are found to have failed to protect free speech.

Policy Apr 19, 2026

Universities face £500,000 fines under new free speech complaints system

A new complaints system for university free speech will launch this year, with institutions facing penalties of up to £500,000 or two per cent of their income for failing to protect lawful expression on campus. The measures represent a significant shift in higher education regulation.

Schools Apr 19, 2026

School Food Standards Overhaul: Why Ministers Must Avoid Quick Fixes on Childhood Obesity

The Department for Education has announced updated school food standards for the first time in thirteen years, marking a significant shift in nutritional policy. However, The Guardian editorial warns that while higher standards are welcome, tackling childhood obesity requires sustained commitment rather than "grab-and-go" solutions.

Schools Apr 17, 2026

‘No cheeseburgers … they would go bankrupt’: pupils reject plan to cut fatty foods from lunch menus

Though welcomed by chefs and campaigners, many schools say the government’s plan to remove ‘grab and go’ options from the menu is a step too farIt is lunchtime at Richard Challoner school, a Catholic comprehensive for boys in New Malden, south-west London. The familiar smell of school lunch is begin...

Safeguarding Apr 16, 2026

Things can't go on like this with online safety, Starmer tells tech bosses

It comes as the government continues to consult on whether to ban under-16s from social media in the UK.

Social Care Apr 16, 2026

Children's Commissioner Data Reveals Scale of Childhoods Spent in Unsuitable B&Bs

New data from the Children's Commissioner for England reveals that tens of thousands of children are spending significant portions of their childhoods in unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation. The research highlights cramped conditions, lack of privacy, and children sharing facilities with strangers, prompting urgent calls for policy action to end this practice.

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