Tag: Children and Families

School Age Payment deadline looms

The deadline to apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment is midnight on 29 February 2024.

Your child could be eligible if they were born between 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2019 and your family receives Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits.

If you get Scottish Child Payment then there’s no need to apply. Your School Age Payment will arrive automatically. But there are some people who don’t get Scottish Child Payment who might still be able to get School Age Payment – for example those who get housing benefit.

If you think you could be eligible, please visit our website and apply before 29 February 2024:

bit.ly/BestStartSchoolAgePayment

Diplomatic missions urge Israel to cease demolitions of schools

Diplomatic missions call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in the West Bank

Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union  together with the Palestinian Ministry of Education call on Israel to rescind its recent decision of the Israeli Civil Administration to demolish a donor-funded school in Amera, Hebron.

Israeli authorities issued a final demolition order against the school on Education Day (24th January), leaving the school at imminent risk of demolition. Should the demolition go ahead, 39 Palestinian school children will be deprived of their basic right to education.

The nearest alternative schools are approximately 5km away. Without adequate transport, students must make the long journey by foot, exposed to settler attacks, a heavily trafficked road and inclement weather. Under these conditions, girls and children with disabilities in particular are at a high risk of dropping out.

Palestinian schools in Area C – including those funded by donors – remain vulnerable to Israeli demolitions and settler violence. Since 2022, Israeli authorities have demolished three donor-funded schools. In addition, three donor-funded schools have been vandalised by Israeli settlers and are currently not operational.

Under international law, Israel, as occupying power, has an obligation to ensure that the occupied civilian population has adequate access to basic education.  

Palestinian children’s right to an education is undermined by Israel’s planning and zoning system in Area C which prevents Palestinian development, and construction of schools in Area C.

Representatives of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Union  call on Israel to halt demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian houses and property in accordance with its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law, and to cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, of designating land for exclusive Israeli use and of denying Palestinian development.  

Failure to do so seriously undermines a two state solution and is a major impediment to peace and security.

Over 43,000 automatic payments to help families with cost of living

Best Start Grants awarded without need for a separate application

More than 43,000 payments have been paid automatically to help parents and carers with the cost of living and starting school, latest official figures show.

The introduction of automatic payments means that tens of thousands of people getting Scottish Child Payment have been awarded Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments without the need to apply separately.

For each of the two benefits, people are awarded one-off payments of £294.70 per child to help with costs like clothes, toys and school trips.

Some parents and carers don’t get Scottish Child Payment but could still qualify for the two grants and they have been urged to apply.

These include people who opted out of automatic payments and some who get housing benefit.

On a visit to Ibrox Primary School and nursery in Glasgow, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The introduction of automatic payments means we are getting money to families quickly in the crucial early years of their child’s development, as these figures show.

“The majority of eligible people get these payments automatically, but we are urging those who don’t to check if they are eligible and get the support they are entitled to.

“The UK Government makes no equivalent provision to either the Early Learning or School Age Payments and removing the need for separate applications has made things even simpler for people who need this support most.

“While the UK Government chose to continue with welfare cuts in the middle of a cost of living crisis, the Scottish Government has allocated £3 billion each year to protect people as far as possible.

“In 2024-25 we are committing a record £6.3 billion for benefits expenditure, providing support to over 1.2 million people.

“This is £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security, demonstrating our commitment to tackling poverty.”

Satwat Rehman, the chief executive of charity One Parent Families Scotland said: “Many of the single parents we support have limited access to digital devices so automation ensures that children in need will not lose out.

“Due to the inadequate levels of Westminster’s benefits these payments help at some of the most important stages of a young child’s development to give them the best start in life.”

St Columba’s: Supporting your child in grief

THURSDAY 8th FEBRUARY at 11am

Our next ‘Supporting your child in grief’ session takes place on Thursday 8th February at 11am.

The session offers an opportunity for you to join other parents and carers to talk, share feelings and connect with one another. You can simply say it how it is, seek advice and hopefully pick up some tips from each other.

Register for free today at https://bit.ly/48YWWf1

Children’s Mental Health Week: Google searches spike

New analysis of Google search data reveals that mental health is amongst the most-searched for topics by parents in the UK.

Anxiety is the most Googled mental health condition for children, with searches looking for help diagnosing children with the condition rising by 190 percent in the past five years, and queries about panic attacks in young people increasing by an incredible 5,000 percent during this period.

This is closely followed by searches for neurodiversity, with 1,000 UK parents per month turning to Google for advice on whether their child has autism.

The analysis, which was conducted by leading name-label manufacturer MyNametags.com, further highlights British parents’ growing reliance on Google to help with all aspects of raising children. In fact, parents across the country use the search engine to answer questions about their children over 10,000 times per day, a third more than this time five years ago.

Alongside mental health, children’s physical health was one of the most commonly Googled aspects of parenting in the last 12 months, with searches concerning chickenpox, croup, and asthma topping the list.

This was followed by more practical, everyday queries about parenting. For instance, searches for what age a child can be left on their own have increased by 280 percent, whilst queries about what age their child can use a booster seat have spiked to 540 percent higher than this time five years ago.

Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at My Nametags, comments: “We offer parents advice on preventing lost belongings every day, so we were interested to find out what more about what other pressing questions families have.

“It was eye opening to discover how many parents are turning to Google for information and resources to help them manage their children’s mental health.

“Whilst the internet is an incredibly valuable tool for parenting advice, we’d always recommend families use trusted sources for information on health and wellbeing, such as the NHS and established mental health charities.”

Top 10 most Googled parenting questions last year:

  1. Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox?
  2. How to check my child benefit application
  3. Is my child autistic?
  4. What is my cousin’s child to me?
  5. Why does my child keep getting croup?
  6. Does my child have ADHD?
  7. Does my child have asthma quiz
  8. Does my child have diabetes quiz
  9. How much is in my child’s trust fund?
  10. What should I do if my child has covid-19?

Visit the My Nametags website for answers to parents’ most Googled questions about sending their children back to school.

Bookbug session at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre tomorrow

Tomorrow morning we’ll be doing a Bookbug session at the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre!

Come and join us for songs, rhymes and stories from 10.30 – 11.30am, we’ll have have a wee cup of tea after too ☺☕️

It’s completely free and no need to book, just come along if you can.

Jet2 sale and free child places launched for last-minute February half-term getaways

Enjoy a last-minute getaway this February half-term with Jet2holidays

  • Jet away with Jet2holidays this February half-term for a memorable break with all the family
  • Winter sale from UK’s largest operator means families can snap up a last-minute deal to Antalya, Paphos or Lanzarote
  • More Free Child Place holidays available too across school holidays – on top of millions already available means families can get away for even less

Families seeking a fun-packed February half-term getaway, should look no further than Jet2holidays, as the UK’s largest tour operator has launched a fantastic sale and added hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays across the 2024 school holidays – on top of millions already available.

Whether you want to bask in the warming winter rays of Lanzarote or enjoy a family trip filled with exciting activities in Antalya or Paphos this February half-term, Jet2holidays is offering families the chance to do just that for even less, with a host of last-minute breaks available to the most sought-after family friendly destinations.

With the recent addition of hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays across the 2024 school holidays, on top of the millions that are already available, plus this sale, families seeking to escape the chilly UK weather for cosier climates across Europe and the Mediterranean, can do so for even less and create lasting memories with all the family in the sunshine.

Package holiday options with Jet2holidays offer ease for families, combining accommodation, VIP customer service, in-resort Customer Helpers and return transfers, as well as flights with Jet2.com and a 22kg baggage allowance in one ATOL protected holiday.

With February half-term fast approaching and up to £240 off for families of four, plus Free Child Place Holidays, there’s never been a better time to treat the family to a last-minute getaway with Jet2holidays.

Antalya – Turkey

Antalya’s stunning natural landscape and ancient ruins make the perfect playground for families to explore throughout the pleasant Winter season.

Head down to Turkey’s finest beaches to marvel at the stunning coastline views. With an abundance of culture and cuisine to unpack, Antalya is ideal for families seeking both a relaxing and adventurous holiday.

Sample packages:

Jet2holidays – Turkey, Antalya Area, Lara Beach, 3 star Grand Park Lara, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Birmingham on 10th February 2024.

Price: £519 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Turkey, Antalya Area, Lara Beach, 4+ star Aska Lara Resort and Spa, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Manchester on 11th February 2024.

Price: £599 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Turkey, Antalya Area, Side, 4 star Side Royal Palace Hotel and Spa, 7 nights all-inclusive plus departing from London Stansted on 10th February 2024.

Price: £669 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Paphos – Cyprus

The whole family can kick back and relax in the laid-back resort of Paphos, located on the sunny south-west coast of Cyprus. Inviting tavernas line up along the picturesque harbour to offer a taste of authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With a choice of beaches, shopping malls, UNESCO-listed historical sites and a zoo, there are exciting activities to suit every itinerary.

Sample packages:

Jet2holidays – Cyprus, Paphos Resort, 3+ star Mayfair Gardens, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from East Midlands on 11th February 2024.

Price: £439 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Cyprus, Paphos Resort, 5 star Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos, 7 nights all-inclusive plus departing from London Stansted on 10th February 2024.

Price: £769 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Cyprus, Cyprus Paphos Airport, Paphos Resort, 4 star Mayfair Hotel, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Manchester on 11th February 2024.

Price: £469 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Lanzarote

Sunshine-seeking families will adore the impressively warm winter weather in Lanzarote, making the Spanish island the ideal destination to escape to in February. Offering delightful beaches and awe-inspiring mountain views, Lanzarote presents incredible opportunities to create memories under the sun. With an array of vibrant resorts to choose from, you’ll be longing to return time after time.

Sample packages:

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Costa Teguise, 3 star Bluebay Lanzarote, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Glasgow on 11th February 2024.

Price: £689 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Playa Blanca, 4 star Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort, 7 nights half-board departing from Bristol on 11th February 2024.

Price: £839 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Costa Teguise, 4 star Los Zocos Lanzarote, 7 nights all-inclusive departing from Leeds Bradford on 11th February 2024.

Price: £899 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.               

Jet2holidays – Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Playa Blanca, 4 star Livvo Hotels Mirador Papagayo, 7 nights half-board departing from Birmingham on 11th February 2024.

Price: £629 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3 & 4) sharing, includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

For further information, please visit www.jet2holidays.com

All prices and availability correct at the time of issue.

NSPCC launches inaugural gaming festival to help tackle child abuse

  • The NSPCC’s ‘Game Safe’ festival features a range of workshops and an in-person esports safeguarding conference which covers child protection within the gaming industry.
  • Professionals, parents and gamers are invited to attend sessions which educate individuals on how to keep children safe when gaming online.
  • Childline continues to be here for young people who are concerned about experiences on gaming platforms.

Staff from NSPCC Scotland will lead a workshop on keeping children safe while gaming as part of a new ‘Game Safe’ festival.

The children protection charity is inviting professional, parents and gamers to attend the festival, which aims to raise awareness and educate parents, carers and professionals on how to keep children safe while playing games online, as well as provide opportunities to fundraise for the charity.

The NSPCC’s ‘Game Safe’ festival features a range of workshops and an in-person esports safeguarding conference which covers child protection within the gaming industry.

Euan Graham (above), a Local Campaigns Officer in Scotland, will lead an online workshop on 7th February. More than 900 people have signed up so far.

The festival, taking place on the 5th – 11th February, is launched with several key partners. Vodafone has partnered with the festival and will feature across the week to promote the work they are doing with the NSPCC to ensure every child has a happy and safe online life. Also supporting is The British Esports Federation, who is advising on the esports activation.

The festival comes as a recent report by the NSPCC saw an 82% rise in online grooming crimes against children in the last 5 years. With 89% of children in the UK playing video games, the NSPCC is committed to ensuring that online protections extend to gaming platforms. 

One of the key opportunities within the festival is the Safeguarding in Esports Conference, an in-person event being held at Confetti X in Nottingham on the 9th February. This gives esports industry professionals the opportunity to learn more from safeguarding experts about how to protect children who take part in esports competitions. There are also virtual tickets for those unable to attend in person.

The conference features a panel of experts who will share insight on the world of esports, including: 

  • NSPCC’s CEO, Sir Peter Wanless
  • Wolves FC / Wolves Esports Head of Safeguarding, Lisa Carter
  • Child Protection in Sport Service Head, Michelle North
  • Sport England Head of Children, Alex Moore

Alongside the esports conference, there are a variety of online workshops for parents, carers and professionals working with children. These sessions will tackle the topic of keeping children safe when gaming online. 

All events will be designed to equip people with the tools and confidence they need to protect young players, bring together key industry stakeholders to improve safeguarding practices across the sector and encourage everyone to fundraise for the charity. 

Visitors will also be able to bid for exciting auction prizes. During the week, creators and streamers will be offering prizes during livestreaming, including state-of-the-art gaming furniture and equipment. Another prize is the opportunity for two winners to watch the senior Cymru men’s team train as they prepare for the Euro 24 play off, semi-final against Finland. 

Tickets for all Game Safe Festival events can be found here. 

Childline counsellors are listening to concerns from children who contact the free helpline, as well as hearing how young people play games online to relax, they are also hearing cases of abuse in the virtual world.

The most commonly mentioned gaming consoles in 2022/23 were Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo (including the Switch) and the top gaming sites discussed Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite. 

One boy aged 18 told Childline: “I’m contacting Childline today because of something I’ve seen online… I was invited to a Discord group chat room by someone on Reddit who I didn’t know and in this group chat they were sharing naked photos of underage children!

“I left the chat as soon as I realised what it was and reported it to Discord. But then I discover that Discord had banned MY account?! Now I’m scared I’m going to get in trouble for it even though I’ve not done anything wrong!”

One young person aged 13 told Childline: “During the break from school I was spending lots of time on Roblox. These two older guys were talking to and flirting with me, they complimented my selfies but then made me send sexy pictures to them. I feel so stupid for doing it.

“My parents helped me report it and everything, but I don’t want to go back to school now. I feel like everyone knows what I did.”

Euan Graham, Local Campaigns Officer at NSPCC Scotland, said: “Gaming and technology is a huge part of young people’s lives, so it is crucial parents and carers to better understand what their children enjoy about gaming so they can better support them to navigate these digital spaces safely.

“Gaming is an increasingly social activity, meaning it is more important than ever that parents and carers have the skills and resources to keep children safe while gaming.

“Parents and carers will finish the workshop with more confidence and knowledge and come away with practical skills to ensure they are well equipped to help keep their children safe.”

Lewie Procter, Associate Head of Gaming at the NSPCC, said: “The NSPCC is thrilled to announce the launch of Game Safe, our new gaming festival. A huge number of young people use gaming platforms, and so it is crucial that they are designed with child safety in mind.

“The NSPCC is dedicated to protecting children from abuse both online and in person. Our esports conference is a fantastic opportunity for professionals to learn more about the industry, and the role we all have in keeping young people safe.”

Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Vodafone UK, said: “As a partner of NSPCC, we are proud to be supporting the Game Safe Festival 2024 and bringing more people into the online safety conversation through the event.  

“At Vodafone we have been committed to the online safety space for 14 years and have been working with the NSPCC since early 2023 to create new resources and support via the Vodafone UK Digital Parenting platform, helping equip parents and carers with the information and tools they need to help ensure children are safe and happy online. 

“We’re proud to be launching a new online toolkit together in the coming weeks to further support families feeling confident about starting their online journey together.”

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.