16/05/2022: Children’s activity levels have not recovered after end of Covid restrictions – study
Children have become more sedentary and their physical activity levels have deteriorated in the wake of the pandemic even after the lifting of restrictions, a study suggests. Researchers said child physical activity levels fell below national guidelines during the Covid-19 crisis and did not recover when lockdowns ended.
Read: Guardian
15/05/2022: Junk food: Obesity strategy falling apart, Jamie Oliver says
Health campaigners say the government’s obesity strategy is “falling apart”, after it delayed bans on multi-buy deals for junk food and pre-watershed TV advertising for at least a year. Chef Jamie Oliver said banning adverts was vital to protecting child health.
Read: BBC
13/05/2022: Covid inquiry broadens scope to include children
The scope of the UK public inquiry into the handling of the Covid pandemic has widened to include a focus on children.
Read: BBC
13/05/2022: Children’s minister reveals plans to consult on relaxation of childcare ratios
The government will consult on relaxing childcare ratios for two-year-olds to bring England in line with Scotland before the summer, the children’s minister has announced.
13/05/2022: Covid inquiry expands scope to include impact on children
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people is set to be included in the UK public inquiry into the handling of the health crisis.
13/05/2022: Formal youth work evaluation risks future of long-term provision, researchers warn
Outcomes-based evaluation of youth work disrupts practitioners’ relationships with children and threatens the future of long-term provision, research has shown.
13/05/2022: Six steps forward for diversion in the youth justice system
The Centre for Justice Innovation published their briefing ‘Strengthening Youth Diversion’ in 2020. Since then, there have been some important positive changes which suggest that the use of diversion in the youth justice system will continue to increase and improve.
12/05/2022: Playground overhaul needed so disabled children can join the fun, charity says
Disabled children can find themselves excluded from their local playgrounds because of poor design and a lack of consideration of their needs. But now disability equality charity Scope has started a campaign to help parents fighting for change.
Read: BBC
12/05/2022: ‘My boy’s autism was a difference, not a deficit’
Harris Macdonell took his own life after years of not fitting in led to mental health issues. He was 19 when he died in August 2020, but he had been treated in adult psychiatric units where his autism was never properly diagnosed. His mother, Jane, believes he would be alive today if the right help was available.
Read: BBC
12/05/2022: Surge in number of children with EHCPs
The total number of children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) has increased by more than 40,000 over the last year, latest figures from the Department for Education show.
12/05/2022: Government announces extra £7m to train school mental health leads
A multi-million pound extension for the training of school mental health leads had been announced by the government. A further £7 million has been added to the scheme to mark Mental Health Awareness Week (9 to 11 May).
12/05/2022: New European proposals show ‘welcome determination to front up to criminals’ abusing and exploiting children online
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) says new European proposals to combat child sexual abuse online show a “welcome determination to front up to criminals” who have made Europe the “destination of choice” for hosting this content. On May 11, the European Commission announced its new European strategy for laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse.
11/05/2022: Rise in reports of children abusing other children
The number of calls to a children’s helpline about harmful sexual behaviour between young people increased by 29% over the last year. The NSPCC received 2,365 calls and staff made almost 600 referrals to external agencies, including the police and social services. The charity says the relationship and sex education curriculum in schools needs to be properly resourced.
Read: BBC
11/05/2022: Outdoor youth work scheme ‘improves young people’s wellbeing’
Young people’s mental health improves when they spend time outdoors, according to evaluation of a green social action scheme involving thousands of young people across England.
