Daily roundup: Parenting costs, Section 28 and Norfolk

The cost of raising a child increased four per cent in the past year, according to a Child Poverty Action Group report. The charity found it costs at least £148,000 to meet the minimum needs of a child from birth to 18, equivalent to £160 a week. The figure includes childcare and housing costs.

Seven schools have introduced policies prohibiting "the promotion of homosexuality" reports Gay Star News. The gay news website said the wording of the schools' policies echoed Section 28, the 1980s anti-gay law that was abolished in 2003. The seven schools are: Bridge Academy in Hackney; Colston Girls' School in Bristol; Grace Academy in Coventry; Radcliffe School in Milton Keynes; Stockport Academy; Swindon Academy; and William Hulmes Grammar School in Manchester.

The government has warned Norfolk County Council that it will take over the council's children's services unless dramatic improvements are made in the next six months, ITV News reports. The threat follows the publication of another critical Ofsted report on services in Norfolk.

England's midwives shortage will continue for a decade despite midwife numbers increasing faster than births, the Royal College of Midwives has warned. The college says the country needs the equivalent of 5,000 more full-time midwives to address the shortage.

Family support charity Home-Start UK is to launch a project to help parents prepare their children for starting school. The Big Hopes Big Future project intends to help parents with matters such as ensuring their children arrive at school fed and have age-appropriate toilet training. The project is funded by the Department for Education, which has provided £800,000 over two years.

And finally, Mumsnet has begun a week-long campaign to raise awareness of the challenges faced by families caring for children with additional needs and disabilities. As part of its This is My Child campaign the parenting website has collated a collection of support materials for families.