Daily roundup 20 May: Bullying, childcare vouchers, and literacy

Childhood bullying has led to one million people being dangerously overweight, a study has claimed. Researchers at Kings College London believe being bullied at school can have long lasting impacts on the body and shorten a person’s life, the Telegraph reports.


Changes in the system of childcare support due to take place later this year may leave some families “confused”, the Family and Childcare Trust has warned. BBC News reports that 450,000 families in the UK claim support through the workplace voucher system, which will be replaced by new top-up payments in autumn.


Increasing numbers of UK school children are choosing to read in their spare time, with six in 10 having a favourite work of fiction, research suggests. The National Literacy Trust of 32,000 pupils aged eight to 18, shows enjoyment and frequency of reading are both at their highest levels for nine years, reports the BBC.


A new scheme to boost communication and literacy skills in babies and toddlers is being piloted in Norfolk. Created by Norfolk County Council, the Discovery Café is aimed at children aged three and under and helps bring stories to life by using sensors, objects, activities and craft.


Updated guidance for healthcare professionals to support examinations for child sexual abuse has been released by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. “The Physical Signs of Child Sexual Abuse”, has been updated from the 2008 version and brings together the latest knowledge and evidence to aid clinical decision-making.


A guide to being a key person in the early years has been released by the Pre School Leaning Alliance. The guide aims to support individual practitioners, setting managers and staff teams, and is accompanied by a range of online sources and activities related to each chapter.