Levelling up the next generation
A cross-Whitehall strategy is needed to put children and young people at the heart of the pandemic recovery and ensure every child can regain lost learning and life experiences, the LGA has said.
Children and young people
Younger people more susceptible to being scammed
People between the ages of 16 and 34 are more susceptible to being scammed and account for more than half of the scams experienced in the UK.
Mental health is ‘biggest issue’ for children
Mental health is the “biggest issue” facing children during the pandemic, the Children’s Commissioner for England has said.
Sexual harassment ‘normalised’ in schools
An Ofsted review has found that sexual harassment, including online sexual abuse, has become ‘normalised’ for children and young people in schools.
Rise in EHCPs ‘a pressing issue’ for councils
New figures show that the number of children and young people in England with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) was up 10 per cent at 430,697 in January 2021.
Fresh vision for early years
Seamless support and a ‘welcoming hub’ for families are among new proposals for ensuring babies and young children get the best possible start to life.
Child harm cases rise by more than a quarter
Serious child-related incidents reported by councils have risen by more than a quarter during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to LGA analysis of latest figures.
Ban on unregulated homes for under-16s
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP has announced that a ban on placing vulnerable children under the age of 16 in unregulated accommodation will come into force in September.
Children locked down in temporary accommodation
The LGA has warned that around 450 primary schools’ worth of homeless children are spending lockdown in temporary accommodation, amid a chronic shortage of affordable housing.