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Each day, CYP Now will summarise the key issues affecting the children and families sector as it tackles the effects of the pandemic. The daily update signposts children’s services practitioners and leaders to the latest developments, expert views, advice and resources.
PM promises apprenticeships and training for all young people
Boris Johnson has today vowed to ensure all young people “the chance of apprenticeship or an in-work placement”.
During a speech on plans to boost the economy in the West Midlands, the Prime Minister announced a new “opportunities guarantee” for young people and admitted: “For a century we have failed to invest enough in further education and give young people the practical training and further education they need”.
He said: “We will offer an opportunity guarantee so that every young person has the chance of apprenticeship or an in-work placement.”
Organisations call to ‘put children first’
A new statement, coordinated by Action for Children, Barnardo’s, National Children’s Bureau, NSPCC and The Children’s Society and signed by more than 150 children’s charities, teaching and medical unions and professional bodies, calls on the government to “announce that children will join health and the economy as the three pillars of the government’s coronavirus response”.
The coalition highlights the impact of the pandemic on children’s education, mental health and wellbeing due to school closures and extended waiting times for professional support.
It also calls for added support for the most vulnerable children who have been hardest hit by the crisis.
Changes to EHC plans extended
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has extended the relaxation of local authorities’ duties to provide children with support listed on education health and care (EHC) plans for a second time.
In May, the Department for Education used the Coronavirus Act to grant local authorities and relevant health bodies “flexibility” in providing support stated on EHC plans.
The emergency change to legislation, which was introduced on 1 May and was initially due to expire on 31 May but was extended on 29 May to run throughout June. It has now published a second "modification notice" meaning the changes will expire on 31 July.
Iceland sign up to free school meals voucher scheme
Families eligible for the free school meals voucher scheme will now be able to use them at Iceland, the government has confirmed.
The frozen food specialist joins a list of supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, M&S, Aldi and McColl’s, where vouchers can be redeemed.
Girlguiding launches new badge for key workers
Girlguiding has launched a brand-new badge to recognise and thank all key workers and volunteers for the work they are doing during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Last month the charity launched a competition for members to design the Together at heart Covid-19 badge. There were over 1,500 entries from up and down the country, with the winning design coming from Pippa, a member of the 1st Bebington Guides based in the Wirral.
Pippa, aged 12, said: “I was completely shocked when I found out I had won the competition; I was not expecting it at all. I was over the moon.
“It's important to thank key workers because they have been risking their lives to keep us all safe. Without them, the UK would have ground to a halt. They've done an amazing job.”
The badge will go on sale today, with half of the profits to be donated to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. The remaining profits will be used by Girlguiding.
