Daily roundup: Disabled children, school dinners and free schools

A cross-party inquiry has found widespread failures for disabled children across the childcare system. The parliamentary inquiry into childcare for disabled children said serious faults of the UK’s childcare system has caused thousands of disabled children to miss out on education and social opportunities.

One in five primary schools will not be able to provide hot meals to pupils in September due to a lack of kitchen facilities. The Times reports that the schools will instead be forced to serve children sandwiches or reheated meals in order to fulfil the government’s universal free school meals promise.

A study has found that the majority of free schools are located in the most deprived areas. According to the Times, the New Schools Network has found that ten times as many free schools are situated in the areas most in need than in wealthier areas.

New research shows that grandparents are providing huge financial support for their grandchildren as parents struggle to cope with the cost of rising childcare. The Express reports that a study by Grandparents Plus, Save the Children, and the Family and Childcare Trust found that grandparents have contributed £8bn worth of childcare support either financially or by taking time off to care for their grandchildren.

The Isle of Wight Council has received 20 applications from voluntary and community organisations bidding to provide the island’s youth services. The Isle of Wight County Press reports that a panel will consider the bids later this month.

Actor and comedian Stephen Fry has launched a new website designed to signpost 16- to 25-year-olds with mental health needs to accessible services. Find Get Give is being piloted in Sheffield, Cornwall, Newham and Brighton.