Daily roundup 7 January: Self-harm, Rotherham abuse, and mental health

Schools are struggling to cope with a rise in pupils self-harming, teachers unions have warned. BBC Newsbeat reports that 28,730 young people were admitted to hospital with self-harm injuries in 2013/14, compared to 22,978 in 2012/13. According to the National Association of Head Teachers and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, spending cuts to local services have left schools without as much expert medical help as in the past.


An additional 62 police staff are to be tasked with investigating claims of child sex abuse in Rotherham. The BBC reports that South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Alan Billings said the additional staff will be directed to the investigation in a bid to secure as many prosecutions as possible.


A poll by Action for Children has revealed 40 per cent of parents worry about their children’s mental health over any other health problem. Of the 2,000 UK parents surveyed, nearly half of all mothers were concerned compared to a third of fathers.


A new interactive database will enable secondary schools to compare their performance with similar schools as part of efforts to narrow the attainment gap. The Telegraph reports that the tool, launched by the Education Endowment Fund, will group schools together according to poor attainment and promote greater collaboration in a bid to improve performance.


An investigation into child sexual abuse in Bradford has revealed that 158 children were deemed at risk of exploitation between April and September last year. The Bradford Telegraph and Argus reports that the study, due before Bradford Council next Tuesday, calls for improved awareness of child sexual exploitation within the borough.


A former nursery manager accused of mistreating children in her care has been acquitted of child cruelty charges. The Brentwood Gazette reports that Emma Panting was cleared of four charges, including two counts of assault, relating to her ownership of Abacus Day Nursery in Billericay on the first day of her trial after the prosecution offered no evidence.