Tag: Children and Families

Holyrood Committee calls for urgent national action to improve ADHD and autism assessment and support

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee published its report today into Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism pathways and support.

The Committee calls for urgent action to deliver a national plan that ensures autistic people and people with ADHD can access clear, consistent pathways to support across every health board in Scotland.

The Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to accept the recommendations in the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) Adult Neurodevelopmental Pathways report.

It also notes the Scottish Government’s intention to review implementation of the National Neurodevelopmental Specification for Children and Young People through its new task force.

The Committee expresses concern that many people wait years for neurodevelopmental assessments and that some health board areas have closed waiting lists. It emphasises that long waits harm individuals and may prevent people from making a full contribution to society.

The unprecedented demand for neurodevelopmental assessment is recognised by the Committee and the need to put certain thresholds in place before a referral is made. But the Committee warns that this approach can be seen as gatekeeping and can cause delays to accessing assessments and support.

The report further highlights evidence that long waiting times can push people into crisis, which can increase complexity of the support needed and put additional pressure on services. It calls on the Scottish Government to work with health boards to deliver a shift towards early, progressive support, in line with the principles of the Population Health Framework.

The Committee also heard evidence that long NHS waiting times can push people towards private diagnosis at significant cost, risking a two-tier system.

The Committee calls for a comprehensive review of assessment processes across all areas, leading to a National Standard that guarantees consistency, responsiveness and support across Scotland.

Given current waiting times, the Committee calls for consistent high-quality communication with people on waiting lists, including accurate, supportive, up-to-date and neuro-affirming information that meets the needs of each individual.

Countering claims that neurodevelopmental conditions are subject to over-diagnosis, the report instead notes evidence that rising demand for assessments reflects historic under-diagnosis and improved understanding of these conditions. The report recognises that diagnosis can validate lived experience and help people access adjustments, support and medication if needed.

While the Committee welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment that diagnosis should not be a prerequisite for support, it remains concerned that, for many individuals, the lack of a formal diagnosis can create a barrier to accessing support. The Committee calls on the Scottish Government to set out actions to prevent diagnosis status becoming an artificial barrier to receiving support.

To improve fairness and consistency, the Committee calls for a plan to deliver mandatory training for everyone involved in making referrals to neurodevelopmental pathways and all health and social care staff in patient-facing roles.

The Committee supports a whole systems approach across health, social care, education and other sectors to improve awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen support for those with neurodevelopmental conditions.

It calls on the Scottish Government to set out what it is doing to advance whole society action, including workforce planning, funding distribution that supports integration, inclusive education, support for families with multiple neurodivergent members, and stronger collaboration across public services.

On publication of the report, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee said: “Our inquiry has shone a light on the myriad issues those with neurodevelopmental conditions face in accessing and receiving support from Scotland’s NHS.

“We acknowledge the huge rise in demand for assessment and diagnosis and the huge pressure this places on services. But we are concerned that inconsistent care pathways and a lack of support can leave some feeling isolated and unable to access the support they need.

“We are concerned to have heard evidence of long waits for assessments or closed waiting lists, meaning some individuals are unable to access support due to where they live or because they haven’t been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition. It’s clear things need to improve.

“We’re calling for urgent delivery of a national plan so that autistic people and/or people with ADHD are able to access clear, consistent pathways to support regardless of where they live in Scotland.

“We’re also calling on the Scottish Government and health boards to work together to undertake a comprehensive review of the assessment process in order to introduce a National Standard for assessments that guarantees consistency and quality of access throughout Scotland.

“Our Committee wants to see a whole systems and whole society approach to ensure autistic people and/or people with ADHD can access equitable and timely pathways to assessment, treatment and support across Scotland.

“Thank you to all of the individuals who shared their personal experiences of ADHD and autism with us and helped inform our inquiry.”

Other findings in the report:

  • The report also stresses the need for consistent national data on referrals and waiting times. The Committee calls for steps to enable routine quarterly reporting of data on referrals and waiting times for autism and ADHD, underpinned by national guidance, and for longer-term work to culminate in a comprehensive dashboard.
  • The Committee pays tribute to third sector organisations that support people who have not received, or are waiting for, diagnosis. It welcomes ongoing commitments such as the Autistic Adult Support Fund and calls for clearer plans to place third sector funding on a sustainable long-term footing.

Both ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions.

ADHD is characterised by a group of symptoms that includes difficulty in concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. It affects around 5% of school-aged children, and between 2.5% and 4% of adults.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and processes information.

It is often characterised by social and communication difficulties and by repetitive behaviours. Current estimates indicate about 1 in 34 people are autistic, just under 3% of the population.

Additional investment for neurodevelopmental support

Increased funding to support children and families

Children, young people and their families will benefit from £3.4 million of additional investment to improve access to neurodevelopmental support.

This brings investment in neurodevelopmental supports and services this year to more than £5 million, providing earlier help for families and ensuring people can access support that meets their needs.

More than £1 million is intended to directly support families, including providing access to digital support on neurodevelopmental conditions – including autism and ADHD. A successful hub model developed in Edinburgh will also be expanded to Tayside, bringing together health, education and third sector support for families in one place.

The investment will also help improve services, including testing new approaches to neurodevelopmental assessment and ADHD support for young adults.

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “I am determined to drive real, meaningful improvements and deliver the best possible outcomes for neurodivergent people. Demand for neurodevelopmental support and diagnosis has increased significantly in recent years, both in Scotland and globally.

“This additional £3.4 million will improve the help available to families – providing better information, practical support and access to services in their communities. This funding will create the groundwork for additional investment in the future – as proposed in our Budget for next year. 

“We want to ensure that children, young people and their families can access the support they need, regardless of where they are on their neurodevelopmental journey.

“A diagnosis is just one part of someone’s experience. What matters most is that people get the right support at the right time, and this funding will help make that happen.”

The investment builds on the additional £500,000 funding announced in June 2025, bringing the total additional investment to £3.9 million in 2025-26.

Funding is being made available for a range of projects, including:

  • supplementing health board assessment capacity, particularly for young people approaching transition to adult services
  • providing digital support to 1,000 families through the EPIC Think Learn platform
  • extending the Yard’s Edinburgh Disability and Neurodevelopment Hub model to Tayside, bringing together support from health, education and third sector services
  • testing holistic approaches to assessment and support with a new neurodevelopmental research clinic with the University of Glasgow
  • work to develop and test digital support tools for ADHD for young adults
  • continuing the Fife children and young people’s neurodevelopmental test of change
  • and work to better understand support needs of children and young people on health board waiting lists and assist connection of families with local support

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD.

UK loses measles elimination status

THE UK has lost its measles elimination status

At its 14th meeting, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) emphasized that measles and rubella elimination and verification remain priorities for the WHO European Region and globally.

Based on reports submitted for 2024 and previous years, the RVC concluded that: 

  • 32 (60%) Member States provided evidence to demonstrate the elimination of endemic measles (interruption for at least 36 months) and 49 (92%) to demonstrate the elimination of endemic rubella, and 32 (60%) Member States provided evidence of the elimination of both measles and rubella; 
  • one Member State interrupted measles transmission for 12 months;  
  • 13 (25%) Member States were considered endemic for measles; 
  • 6 (11%) Member States were considered to have re-established measles transmission; and
  • the rubella elimination status of 3 (6%) Member States is subject to the provision of additional data. 

The RVC noted with concern the loss of measles elimination status in some Member States, including some with high-performing immunization programmes. The situation in 2024 highlighted the urgent need for increased political and financial commitment from countries and international organizations.

Considering the vast majority of reported cases were among unimmunized individuals, the RVC reiterated that to achieve measles and rubella elimination, as recommended by WHO, sustained coverage of at least 95% with 2 doses of measles- and rubella-containing vaccines is needed.

The RVC encouraged all Member States to increase activities to achieve sufficient immunization coverage and close all remaining immunity gaps, focusing especially on vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. The RVC also encouraged all Member States to enhance surveillance systems to improve case detection and capture more epidemiological and laboratory data to allow adequate analysis and the identification of transmission chains and outbreak sources.

The RVC is also concerned with the absence of the timely detection of and adequate immunization response to measles outbreaks, which are critical to stop measles virus transmission once the virus has been imported into a population with susceptible individuals.

The further building of response capacities, and understanding of the consequences if adequate response measures, including immunization, are not taken on time, must be priorities for health systems and decision-makers in all Member States. 

The 14th RVC meeting report, including the full text of conclusions and recommendations, is pending publication.

Table: RVC conclusions on measles and rubella elimination status per Member State for 2024

Member StateMeaslesRubella
AlbaniaEliminatedEliminated
AndorraEliminatedEliminated
ArmeniaRe-establishedEliminated
AustriaRe-establishedEliminated
AzerbaijanRe-establishedEliminated
BelarusEliminatedEliminated
BelgiumEliminatedEliminated
Bosnia and HerzegovinaEndemicSubject to provision of additional data
BulgariaEliminatedEliminated
CroatiaEliminatedEliminated
CyprusEliminatedEliminated
CzechiaEliminatedEliminated
DenmarkEliminatedEliminated
EstoniaEliminatedEliminated
FinlandEliminatedEliminated
FranceEndemicEliminated
GeorgiaEndemicEliminated
GermanyEndemicEliminated
GreeceEliminatedEliminated
HungaryEliminatedEliminated
IcelandEliminatedEliminated
IrelandEliminatedEliminated
IsraelNo reportNo report
ItalyEndemicEliminated
KazakhstanEndemicEliminated
KyrgyzstanEndemicEliminated
LatviaEliminatedEliminated
LithuaniaEliminatedEliminated
LuxembourgEliminatedEliminated
MaltaEliminatedEliminated
MonacoEliminatedEliminated
MontenegroEliminatedEliminated
Netherlands (Kingdom of the)EliminatedEliminated
North MacedoniaEliminatedEliminated
NorwayEliminatedEliminated
PolandEndemicSubject to provision of additional data
PortugalEliminatedEliminated
Republic of MoldovaEliminatedEliminated
RomaniaEndemicEliminated
Russian FederationEndemicEliminated
San MarinoEliminatedEliminated
SerbiaEndemicEliminated
SlovakiaEliminatedEliminated
SloveniaEliminatedEliminated
SpainRe-establishedEliminated
SwedenEliminatedEliminated
SwitzerlandEliminatedEliminated
TajikistanInterrupted 12 monthsEliminated
TürkiyeEndemicEliminated
TurkmenistanEliminatedEliminated
UkraineEndemicSubject to provision of additional data
United KingdomRe-establishedEliminated
UzbekistanRe-establishedEliminated

UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status:

Aldi giving away vouchers every week to new parents in Edinburgh

RETURN OF MAMIA NEW PARENT FUND

Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.

Now in its second year, the Mamia New Parent Fund will continue supporting new parents with the cost of everyday essentials after welcoming a new baby, with nearly a fifth (17%) of new parents saying recurring nappy purchases are among the biggest, unexpected costs.

The supermarket is giving away £100 Aldi vouchers every week in Edinburgh throughout 2026, totalling £5,200 to be used on everything from nappies and wipes to baby food and toiletries.

The news comes as Aldi unveils new data showing the significant savings available to parents who choose Mamia nappies. Parents using Mamia nappies could save up to £380 over the first year compared with leading branded equivalents*.

The return of the fund reinforces the UK’s fourth largest supermarket’s ongoing commitment to helping families make their money go further through the Mamia range, which offers award-winning quality at unbeatable prices.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “We know that welcoming a baby brings immense joy, but it can also bring unexpected financial challenges at a time when every penny counts.

“The response to last year’s Fund showed us just how much parents value this support, with thousands applying. That’s why we’re bringing the Mamia New Parent Fund back for 2026 to continue giving families a helping hand with those everyday essentials.”

Aldi’s Mamia range includes nappies, wipes, baby food and toiletries, all rigorously tested to meet the same high standards as branded equivalents but at a fraction of the cost.

Aldi was named Supermarket of the Year by Mother&Baby, confirming that families can trust Aldi to deliver unbeatable value across their entire shop.

New parents who want to apply for Aldi’s Mamia New Parent Fund should email mamiaparentfund@aldi.co.ukwith a receipt showing their latest Mamia purchase. One family will be chosen each week throughout 2026 to receive a £100 voucher to spend in any UK Aldi store.

For full terms and conditions, visit: 

https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-for-aldis-mamia-new-parent-fund-the-prize-draw/

‘Nothing’s Changed? Everything’s Changed. It’s Worse’

UK Poverty 2026: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK

This report sets out the nature of poverty in the UK, and evaluates changes under the last Conservative-led Government.

It also sets out the scale of action necessary for the current Government to deliver the change it has promised.

Today, we’ve launched our annual state of the nation report, UK Poverty 2026. The report, which accounts for the time just before the current government took power and clearly shows the depth of the problem and the scale of the challenge.

Some of the key findings of the report include:

  • More than one in five people in the UK, around 14.2 million, were living in poverty.
    Britain’s poorest are getting poorer: 6.8 million people are now living in very deep poverty, almost half of everyone in poverty, the highest level on record.
  • Poverty has hardened, not eased: the average person in poverty now lives 29% below the poverty line, compared with 23% in the mid-1990s.
  • Child poverty has climbed again: 4.5 million children are in poverty, rising for the third year in a row.
  • Hunger is spreading fast: 1.1 million more people in poverty cannot afford enough food than two years ago bringing the total to 3.5 million, while 2.8 million more people overall are now food insecure bringing the total to 7.5 million.
  • Work doesn’t guarantee security: around two-thirds of working-age adults in poverty, 5.4 million people, live in households where someone is in work.
  • New JRF analysis shows that, under central Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projections, the headline poverty rate will remain broadly unchanged (21.3% to 21.1%) between 2026 and 2029.
  • Current policies will see little progress towards meeting the government’s manifesto commitment to end the mass dependence on food banks.

People in very deep poverty now make up the biggest group of people in poverty, at 6.8 million people.

This is unacceptable for the fifth richest country in the world, and it has consequences.

Overall poverty rates have flatlined since 2005/06 at just over a fifth. The longer a family spends in poverty, the worse the effects on that family.

The longer we tolerate unacceptably high levels of poverty, the worse it is for our country.

THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW.

We found that Britain’s poorest people are getting poorer. And poverty is hardening, not easing.

  • Almost 1/2 of all people in poverty in very deep poverty
  • More than 1/4 disabled people living in poverty
  • Around 2/3 of working-age adults in poverty live in a household where someone is in work

Feelings of frustration – and the need for urgent action – were evident

The lives behind the numbers — unacceptably tough, and getting harder

With a foreward from our Grassroots Poverty Action Group (GPAG), this report speaks to some of the policies that would lift hundreds of thousands of children, disabled people and other families out of poverty.

It can be done, and it has been done before. The alternative is a reality that feels harder to thrive in.

UK Poverty 2026 – the essential guide to understanding poverty in the UKDownload

Cramond nursery opens to families this Saturday for its Winter Open Day

For parents looking to kick-start their search for the right nursery, Bright Horizons is opening its doors for its Winter Open Day tomorrow – Saturday, 24th January.

Bright Horizons’ Cramond is inviting parents to drop in and speak with early years professionals about places, funding and admissions, with the opportunity to watch your child enjoy some of the activities the nursery has to offer.

📍What: Bright Horizons Cramond Winter Open Day
📅 When: Saturday 24th January 2026 between 10am – 1pm
🔗Details: Reserve your spot today here: Open Days | Bright Horizons

The open day is designed to be informal and flexible – from brief drop-ins to longer visits – allowing parents to explore the setting at their own pace, meet the team and learn more about The Nurture Approach, Bright Horizons’ unique child-centred framework.

Investing in Scotland’s children

Funding for schools, breakfast clubs and free school meals to tackle child poverty

Children and families across Scotland will benefit from the Scottish Government’s sustained investment in Education and Skills as part of the national mission to eradicate child poverty.

The proposed Scottish Budget for 2026-27 commits up to £200 million to the Scottish Attainment Challenge, which has already delivered sustained progress in closing the poverty-related attainment gap. This includes Pupil Equity Funding that aims to empower headteachers to tailor support to meet the specific needs of pupils and families in their communities.

An additional £15 million will ensure that all primary school children are able to access a free breakfast club by August 2027, while free school meals are being expanded to a further 5,500 pupils for 2026-27.

Speaking ahead of a visit to see the breakfast club offer at Downfield Primary School in Dundee, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government’s budget plans reflect our unwavering commitment to giving every child in Scotland the best possible start in life, regardless of their background.

“Scotland’s schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the highest levels on record, with sustained progress in narrowing the poverty-related attainment gap through the Scottish Attainment Challenge.

“Our continuing investment of up to £200 million will build on these gains, with Pupil Equity Funding continuing to give headteachers the flexibility to respond to the specific needs of their communities.

“We know that children cannot learn if they are hungry or worried about what is happening at home. Our investment in free breakfast clubs and the expanded the rollout of free school meals to more children will help to address food insecurity and help to ease pressure on family budgets at a time when it is needed most

“These measures are central to our national mission to tackle child poverty and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

The latest published figures show that attainment levels are at record highs and the poverty-related attainment gap is at a record low in literacy and numeracy.

Consultation opens on mobiles phones in Edinburgh’s schools

Pupils, families and school staff encouraged to share their views

A report discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee on Tuesday (20 January) provided an update on mobile phones in schools.

Following the decision made by Councillors in September 2025 to restrict the use of mobile phones in all primary schools, the report presented a range of next steps and options to support potential restrictions on mobile phones in secondary schools.

An interim Integrated Impact Assessment has taken place with consideration for pupils with medical or caring needs who may need access to a phone during the school day.

A citywide consultation is now live, and will run until 2 March, encouraging pupils, parents/carers and school staff to engage with the consultation and share their views:

Parents/carers: Mobile Phones in Schools – Parent/Carer survey – City of Edinburgh Council – Citizen Space

Pupils: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/cf/7c310789/

School staff: Mobile Phones in Schools – Staff survey – City of Edinburgh Council – Citizen Space

The report discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee outlined an initial evaluation of the two-year pilot underway at two Edinburgh secondary schools, Portobello and Queensferry High Schools, using lockable pouches, restricting access to mobile phones during the school day.

Both schools report that, in the relatively short time pouches have been in use, feedback is largely positive.

Elected members were presented with a range of options for implementing restrictions, with the preferred option outlined being the use of lockable pouches to support restrictions on mobile phone use across all secondary schools, and lockable cabinets in primary schools.

This would create a position of equity for families and schools but would require additional funding, factored into the Council’s budget setting process.

Next steps in the coming weeks and months include:

  • Conclusion of the Integrated Impact Assessment later this month
  • Focus group sessions carried out as part of the consultation process in January and February
  • Citywide consultation running until 2 March
  • Findings analysed and report presented to Education, Children and Families Committee later in the year

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “In September 2025, it was agreed that restricting the use of mobile phones in our schools would be a positive step forward.

“We want these new measures to be brought in as soon as is practical, but it is the right thing to do to make sure that citywide consultation with families and communities, alongside an integrated impact assessment, takes place to explore and address any issues or concerns.

“Through many conversations, I understand that there is broad support for keeping smartphones out of the classroom, however there are individuals who have concerns which makes it even more important that as a Council we get this change right.

“Pilots, using lockable pouches, at Queensferry and Portobello High Schools have anecdotally been broadly successful, and as such the rollout of pouches in other settings needs to be explored. This includes options for financing mobile phone restrictions and the potential use of lockable pouches in secondary schools and lockable cabinets in primary schools.

“I am working closely with officers to move this forward as quickly as we can, while also making sure that we have done our due diligence to ensure that restricting mobile phones in our schools will have the intended positive impact.”

Childhood vaccines

It’s important your child gets all the vaccines they are offered at the right time to make sure they’ve got longer-term protection as they grow up.

When it’s time, you’ll receive a letter from the NHS with details of the appointment and what vaccines they’re being offered.

Extra Time programme: After school clubs expansion

Supporting parents and improving kids’ health and wellbeing

More children across Scotland will have access to free after school activities as part of the government’s national mission to tackle poverty.

The Scottish Government’s Extra Time Programme, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, supports local football clubs and trusts to provide free before school, after school and holiday activity clubs to primary school children from low income families.

Last year up to 5,000 children across 28 local authority areas were able to attend regular services which provide childcare options for their parents.

The 2026-27 Scottish Budget is increasing investment to expand delivery and reach of after school services, building on the success of the Extra Time programme, in areas where it is required for families most in need.  

First Minister John Swinney met pupils benefiting from after school activities provided by Hibernian Community Foundation as part of the programme.

First Minister John Swinney said: “We know that families greatly value the services provided through the Extra Time Programme, which extend the school day, helping parents enter and sustain employment.

“The clubs are also hugely popular with children, enabling them to take part in football and other activities, learn new skills and access healthy food – helping improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

“The Scottish Government has supported the successful delivery of the programme through grassroots football clubs and trusts across the country, working closely with schools and community organisations.

“This is an excellent example of how we are improving outcomes for families and delivering on my priorities for Scotland – tackling poverty and growing our economy.”