Fiona Simpson

fiona.simpson@markallengroup.com

Parents are paying higher childcare costs than before the pandemic, Coram has warned. Picture: Adobe Stock

News 9 March 2021

Childcare costs increased in a third of local authorities during pandemic, analysis shows

Coronavirus

Michael King: Councils have a duty to meet the special educational needs provisions. Picture: LGO

News 9 March 2021

Council left autistic boy without support for more than two years, ombudsman finds

Education

Rachel De Souza is the new children's commissioner for England. Picture: DfE

News 8 March 2021

Education catch-up plan ‘will focus on wellbeing’, children’s commissioner says

Coronavirus

Almost half of NEET young people are actively seeking work, the ONS says. Picture: Adobe Stock

News 5 March 2021

NEET figures hit by highest quarterly rise in a decade

Youth Work

Most parents are calling for schools to provide an 'active recovery term'. Picture: Youth Sport Trust

News 5 March 2021

Four in five children ‘less active during lockdown’, parents say

Coronavirus

Mental health support in schools is set to be expanded. Picture: Adobe Stock

News 5 March 2021

DCMS announces £79m funding boost for children’s mental health services

Coronavirus

Peter Wanless said he was especially worried about the vulnerability of very young children. Picture: NSPCC

News 4 March 2021

NSPCC chief: Councils ‘need to be ready’ for soaring children’s services demand

Early Years

Ariella was diagnosed with hearing loss as a baby (see case study below). Picture: AVUK

News 3 March 2021

World Hearing Day: Government urged to fund specialist therapy for deaf children

Health

Chancellor Rishi Sunak today (3 March) announced the 2021 Budget. Picture: HM Treasury

News 3 March 2021

Budget 2021: Benefit extension 'not enough' for disadvantaged families

Social Care

Traineeships have been given a multi-million pound boost. Picture: Adobe Stock

News 3 March 2021

Budget 2021: Training providers praise jobs boost for under-25s

Coronavirus

Rishi Sunak today (3 March) announced his Budget. Picture: HM Treasury

News 3 March 2021

Budget 2021: Sunak criticised over ‘failure to recognise children’s services’

Social Care

Staff at Samaritan's Purse deliver free devices. Picture: Samaritan's Purse

News 2 March 2021

#Chances4Children: Schemes aim to close digital divide

Chances4Children