Tag: Children and Families

Reeves to protect English education priorities ‘in face of inherited £22 billion blackhole’

  • Chancellor confirms steps to protect education and early years priorities as part of her first Budget. 
  • £1.4bn allocated for school rebuilding, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improve the school estate.
  • Funding will form a packet of measures to break down barriers to opportunity, so every child has the chance to succeed in life.     

Improving opportunities for our children and young people will be a key feature of the Chancellor’s first Budget, including £1.4bn to rebuild crumbling schools.  

The investment to rebuild school buildings, alongside funding for children’s social care, breakfast clubs and early years childcare reflect the government’s commitment to putting education back at the forefront of national life, breaking down the barriers to opportunity for all children. 

The decision to protect education priorities at the Budget comes at a crucial time for the sector with the government inheriting a £22 billion blackhole in the public finances and having to take tough decisions. 

The Chancellor has committed £1.4bn to ensure the delivery of the existing School Rebuilding Programme, with 50 rebuilds a year delivering on promises made to parents, teachers and local communities that crumbling school buildings will be rebuilt.  

The confirmation of the funding for education follows a 5.5% pay increase for school teachers agreed earlier in the year as the government sets out to reset relationships with the sector.  

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “This Government’s first Budget will set out how we will fix the foundations of the country. It will mean tough decisions, but also the start of a new chapter for Britain, by growing our economy through investing in our future to rebuild our schools, hospitals and broken roads.

“Protecting funding for education was one of the things I wanted to do first because our children are the future of this country. We might have inherited a mess, but they should not suffer for it.” 

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, said: “This is a Budget about fixing the foundations of the country, so there can be no better place to start than the life chances of our children and young people.  

“Our inheritance may be dire, but I will never accept that any child should learn in a crumbling classroom. 

“We are determined to break down those barriers to opportunity, whether it’s brilliant early years, free breakfast clubs or high and rising standards in our schools, this government is putting education back at the forefront of national life.”  

£1.8 billion has also been confirmed to support the expansion of government-funded childcare, helping deliver the roll-out through local authorities – with a further £15m of capital funding allocated to expand school-based nurseries.

Primary schools can now apply for up to £150,000 of the £15m, with the first stage of the plan set to support up to 300 new or expanded nurseries across England creating much-needed places in areas most in demand.  

To support parents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the government today also confirmed it will triple its investment in breakfast clubs to over £30 million to help ensure children are ready to learn at the start of the school day, and helping drive improvements to behaviour, attendance and attainment. 

Meanwhile to keep more children in stable and loving homes, the new government has also announced £44 million to support kinship and foster carers.  

This will include trialling a new kinship allowance in up to 10 local authorities to test whether paying an allowance to cover certain costs – like supporting a child to settle into a new home with relatives – can help increase the number of children taken in by family members and friends. 

It will also help recruit more foster parents by ensuring that every local authority has access to a regional recruitment hub. These hubs help raise awareness about fostering and offer prospective carers a centralised platform to find information, ask questions and get support from the start of their fostering journey. 

This is expected to generate hundreds of new foster placements, reduce local authorities’ reliance on the expensive residential care market and offer children a stable environment to grow up in. The government has also confirmed its commitment to further reforms to children’s social care in future spending reviews to make sure every child, irrespective of background, has the best start in life. 

Chief Executive at Kinship, Dr Lucy Peake, said: “We are pleased that the Government has made a commitment to trialling a new Kinship Allowance so that more children can be raised in well-supported kinship care with family and friends who love them, delivering better outcomes for children and for the public purse than the care system.

“We look forward to further reforms to children’s social care which should ensure that all kinship families get the financial, practical and emotional support they need and deserve.”

New government report on Halloween costumes spells concern, say RoSPA

Tests on children’s Halloween costumes revealed that over 80% of costumes for under-sevens failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation risks. RoSPA advises parents to take one simple but crucial step this Halloween: choose costumes from trusted sources that meet UK safety standards.

As Halloween approaches, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families to take action following alarming news from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

New Findings on Costume Safety

Tests conducted by  OPSS on 128 costumes purchased from various online marketplaces found that more than 80% failed safety tests. Among these, 28 costumes did not meet flammability standards, and 59 were found to have dangerous cords or drawstrings that posed a strangulation hazard. Many costumes also lacked appropriate labelling, with 98 out of 128 failing to provide essential safety information.

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy and Press for RoSPA said: “These results are deeply concerning. Parents and those responsible for children need to be extra cautious this Halloween. Always purchase costumes from reputable retailers and check for the UKCA or CE mark to ensure they comply with UK safety regulations.

“This is important as it shows that the product has been tested to meet UK safety standards, and indicates that the costume has passed essential safety tests, including those for flammability.

“With the recent findings from the OPSS, it’s clearer than ever that safety needs to come first. If you’re buying a Halloween costume for your child, checking for that the product meets labelling requirements should be a top priority. This simple check can prevent accidents and ensure a safer Halloween for everyone.”

ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN

In addition to choosing costumes that meet flammability and safety standards, RoSPA advises families to follow these important guidelines:

  • Avoid open flames: Keep children away from lit candles, fireplaces, and any other open flames.
  • Supervise children: An adult should always be present to supervise children, especially near fire hazards.
  • Make costumes visible: Add reflective strips to costumes or provide children with torches to ensure they can be seen in the dark while trick-or-treating.
  • Stay cautious with homemade costumes: RoSPA advises against homemade costumes, as they are unlikely to meet the same fire safety standards as store-bought ones that comply with UK regulations.
  • Check for product recalls: The OPSS regularly updates its website with information on recalled products, including Halloween costumes. If you’re unsure about a costume’s safety, check online before using it.

Edinburgh charities supporting young people invited to apply for £75,000 funding

Ansvar Insurance is delighted to launch its search for three outstanding charities to support, offering a generous donation of £75,000 to each over the next three years.

They will be looking to support charities that focus on helping children and young people to make positive lifestyle choices. This could include promoting safety, sports and exercise, mental wellbeing, or healthy eating, and registered charities across Edinburgh are being invited to nominate.

From all the nominations received, three charities will be selected to benefit from funding, each receiving £25,000 per year for three years, starting in January 2025.

Charities interested in applying are asked to initially submit a short application explaining their work and how the funding would be utilised, whether that’s to support an ongoing project or one that is about to begin. Applications can be made directly via the Ansvar website – Programme of Giving 2024 – Ansvar.

Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Ansvar, the expert insurance provider for the charity, not-for-profit, care and faith sectors, commented: “As a specialist insurer for the charity sector, we witness the incredible work these organisations do every day. Our Programme of Giving is a way for us to give back and provide support, encompassing our Community Hub, which is free, bookable office space we offer to charities and not for profit organisations, our colleague volunteering and fundraising, and our three-year cycle of grant giving.

“Previously, we offered £45,000 over three years, but we understand that numerous challenges have made it harder for charities to meet the needs of the people they serve. As a result, we have increased our funding to £75,000 for each charity. We hope this will make a significant difference to their work and help them continue to support young people.”

Charities can nominate themselves via the Ansvar website from now until to Monday 4th November. The winning charities will be notified by Friday 13th December.

Ansvar is a member of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned specialist in financial services. As the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, the Benefact Group strengthens Ansvar’s dedication to supporting the wider charitable community.

Keeping children safe this firework season

As Bonfire Night approaches, make sure you know how to keep you and your family safe.

Nearly half of firework injuries happen to children.

Always follow the Firework Code and read instructions before use.

Find more safety advice here ➡️bit.ly/fireworksafety2024

Kids Crafts and Games Fridays at Corstorphine Community Centre

Our Kids Crafts and Games group for ages 3-12 starts it’s new block on the 25th of October!

Taking place every Friday 2-3pm for until the 29th November, with plenty of games and a weekly craft activity. Just £1 a week – to register, email Alison on community@ccchub.online.

“I work at one of the UK’s top Halloween attractions – here’s how we prepare for spooky season”

  • The Dungeons share insights into Halloween prep at one of the UK’s top October destinations
  • The attraction performs over 1,000 Halloween shows each year
  • Visitors to The Dungeons increases by 98% during Halloween season

The Edinburgh Dungeon, renowned for bringing scare-seeking guests the most terrifying tales from the past, has revealed how the attraction prepares for its busiest time of the year.

Lyndsay Hebert, Performance Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, has been perfecting the art of fear for over two decades. With 23 years of experience at the attraction, Halloween is her favourite time of year. 

For her, it’s not just about costumes and decorations—it’s about blending history, creativity, and horror to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Lyndsay reveals that preparations for Halloween begin as early as January. Edinburgh, known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, provides the perfect backdrop, with its ghost stories and local legends offering endless inspiration. Lyndsay takes pride in the city’s dark history, saying, “There’s always a new chilling tale to tell.

“The concept might evolve, but starting early ensures we deliver the best experience,” she explains. With over 50 performances on peak days and more than 1,000 over the Halloween season, the entire team works tirelessly to create a terrifying experience every time.

The actors are key to The Dungeon’s success, with quick costume and makeup changes happening throughout the day. Each performer begins with a base of scars, cuts, and bruises, adding more layers as they switch roles.

“The messier the hair, the better,” Lyndsay says. Hair and makeup touch-ups are ongoing to maintain authenticity, and it’s the actors’ relentless energy that brings The Dungeon to life.

“There’s nothing a Dungeon actor loves more than hearing the screams of the audience—you know you’ve done your job well!” Lyndsay enthuses.

Behind the scenes, the work is just as intense as what happens onstage. “There’s never a dull day in The Dungeon!” she exclaims. “The actors move quickly, switching costumes, makeup, and characters every hour.”

This year’s Halloween event, Halloween: The Monster of Glamis, runs from 12th October to 3rd November. Guests will explore the eerie passageways of Glamis Castle, where a monstrous presence awaits.

What starts as an innocent birthday celebration for the Laird’s youngest family member quickly turns into a nightmare as guests confront the terrifying Monster of Glamis and the chilling Room of Skulls, filled with ominous whispers from the past.

For those brave enough to enter, The Edinburgh Dungeon promises a Halloween experience like no other. With fresh stories, immersive settings, and a dedicated team ready to create the ultimate fright, visitors are in for a hauntingly good time!

Will you survive the Monster of Glamis and escape the Room of Skulls?

Pre-book now, or for more information, visit the Edinburgh Dungeon’s website: 

https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/monster-of-glamis/.

Meet Pantosaurus!

THIS MORNING AT MUIRHOUSE LIBRARY

BRING your kids along to meet Pantosaurus and listen to his roarsome story!

Muirhouse Library, Friday 18 Oct, 10.30am

Stockbridge Library, Friday 25 Oct, 2.30pm

South Queensferry Library, Friday 1 Nov, 10.30am

Find out more about keeping children safe at http://edinburgh.gov.uk/talkpants

Letter: ‘Deep concern’ over cuts to city council’s inclusion services

Dear Editor

As a coalition of organisations that support vulnerable children and young people, we are deeply concerned in relation to proposed budget cuts to City of Edinburgh Council’s inclusion services.

There has been a massive increase in the number of pupils in Scotland’s schools identified with additional support needs (ASN), such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems. In Edinburgh, this has seen the number of pupils with ASN almost treble in number between 2013 and 2023.

It has been estimated that over 40 per cent of primary school and over half of secondary school pupils in the capital now have an ASN.

Unfortunately, the necessary resourcing required for this group has not increased. For example, the number of ASN teachers in Edinburgh’s schools has declined by four over the period 2013 to 2023, from 170 to 166, despite the massive increase in the number of pupils with ASN.

Any further axing in staff, who are already overstretched and under-resourced, in supporting these pupils will prove absolutely devastating.

This will impact not only them, but also fellow pupils who will face reduced teaching time given the need to support those with ASN, as well as putting even more pressure on teachers and support staff.

We would urge City of Edinburgh Council to reconsider its approach, as this sticking plaster solution of budget cuts will simply lead to reduced life chances for these individuals, with the resultant impact on society and the economy.

Yours faithfully

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Tel: 0131 603 8996

Water safety charity issues warning as survey shows most parents mistake baby bath seats as safety devices

According to a new eye-opening survey from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)*, there is a worrying misconception among parents that a baby bath seat is a safety device.

The survey showed that almost three quarters of parents (72%) believe a baby bath seat is designed to keep a baby safe. This is not the case. Research published in RLSS UK’s Child Drowning Update (2019-2023) revealed that out of ten children under one that drowned in the bath, seven were using a baby bath seat.

Figures also revealed that 88% of parents have used a baby bath seat, and almost two-thirds (64%) of those with children under one currently do so. RLSS UK is therefore working to increase parents’ understanding of the purpose of baby bath seats to help promote safer bathtimes for all families.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We find it heartbreaking to learn that child drownings in the bath are continuing to take place – and it is concerning to learn that in many of these instances, there was a bath seat involved.

“Seeking to shed light on the major misconception that bath seats can be used as a safety device, we want to educate more families to be aware of the risks, so they are able to stay safe.

“Of ten infants that drowned in the bath in the last four years, seven were using a bath seat. Regardless of whether you are using a bath seat during bathtime, we always advise parents and carers to keep young children within arm’s reach in water. And if you do need to leave the bathroom at all, take the child with you. Whilst bath seats can provide support for your baby during bath time, bath seats are not a safety device.”

Splash Safety in Bath Seats forms part of RLSS UK’s brand-new campaign, Splash Safety at your Pad, which seeks to raise awareness among parents and carers of young children about the importance of water safety when at home, with a particular focus on bathtime.

Matt added: “In response to these tragic findings, we are pleased to introduce our educational Splash Safety at your Pad campaign, which aims to share important water safety messages with families across the UK and Ireland in a fun and engaging way.

“We hope this campaign has a positive impact on families with young ones and makes all the difference.”

Vital key safety advice when bathing your child:

  • Children should always be within arm’s reach – regardless of using a baby bath seat.
  • Get everything you need ready to go before filling the bath – from towels to pyjamas.
  • Avoid distractions and leave your phone outside the bathroom.
  • Check that the water has fully drained after emptying the water in the bath.
  • When not in use, keep the plug and toys out of reach and shut the bathroom door to limit children’s access without a grown-up.

*Consumer survey (September 2024), geographically representative sample of n=1,003 parents of children under five years from across the UK.

For more information around RLSS UK’s 2024 Child Drowning Update, please visit our website: www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safety

Saturday: Dance performance and workshop at Granton Library

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival goes on tour! This fall we will be visiting libraries in the Edinburgh North neighbourhoods with our featured artists.

On Saturday, 19 October, Granton Library will be hosting ahalya Dance Academy who will bring a South Asian cultural dance performance and workshop for all ages.

Ahalya Dance Academy, an Edinburgh based dance school specialising in the ancient Indian art form of Bharatanatyam. Their vision is to bring the rich tradition of Bharatanatyam to diverse communities and provide a platform for aspiring dancers to learn and grow.

This event is free but ticketed, so make sure you register with us ahead of the event!

@top fans