Six- to 13-year-olds miss out on support

The survey also found that one in four children said they had problems transferring to secondary school.

In a report published today Action for Children claims that although "middle childhood" is a highly vulnerable age, policy makers and practitioners favour early years and adolescent services. The charity is calling for a 21-year cross-party plan for children and young people across the UK, to ensure children receive the support they need at all key stages.

Stuck in the Middle: the importance of supporting six to 13 year olds highlights the lack of funding for projects targeting this age group. It says that since the government stopped ringfencing the Children's Fund in 2007, Action for Children's own projects targeting this age group have fallen from 151 to 38.

Sandee Sidhou, project worker at the Hillingdon youth inclusion and support project (YISP), said: "The biggest factor for children of this age is the breakdown in family communication. Between the ages of 10 and 11 children may engage in low-level antisocial behaviour. Hillingdon YISP is the only project in this borough that caters for this age and works not only with the young person but the family too."

Leon, 13, was referred to Hillingdon YISP when his behaviour became disruptive. He said: "When I used to lose my temper, Hillingdon YISP gave me tips on how to control my anger, they taught me to count to ten and ask the teacher for time out."