Several recent studies have found children tend to fare better academically if they have ample access to the natural world. But the reasons for this remains hazy. Do they get more exercise? Breathe cleaner air? New British research reveals one likely advantage such kids enjoy. It finds they score higher on a standard test of Spatial Working Memory —the ability to retain visual information long enough to process it and make use of it to solve problems. For a child, this may mean developing an...

According to researchers at Kings College London, air pollution kills roughly 9,500 people in the city on average every year. Another study, commissioned by the Khan, found that there are over 800 educational institutions in the city where pupils are exposed to levels of nitrogen dioxide that breach the European Union's legal limits. Members of Parliament have even termed it a national health emergency. "This is, without doubt, a public-health disaster," says Jonathan Grigg, a professor of...

Suicide prevention action plan: Scotland The Scottish Government has published a Suicide prevention action plan setting out the government’s plan to reduce the suicide rate in the country by 20% by 2022. Actions include: setting up the National suicide prevention leadership group (NSPLG) whose work will include ensuring that the needs of children and young people are considered. Source: Scottish Government Date: 09 August 2018 Further information: Every life matters (PDF)

Domestic and sexual violence and abuse action plan – Northern Ireland The Department of Health and Department of Justice in Northern Ireland have published their 2018/2019 action plan under the Stopping domestic and sexual violence and abuse strategy. This third action plan identifies new initiatives including: considering how relationships and sexuality education resources can support teachers in addressing domestic and sexual violence and abuse; and linking with the work of the...

Physical activity and wellbeing strategies for young prisoners The Ministry of Justice has published an independent review of sport and physical education in the justice system, which was carried out by Professor Rosie Meek in partnership with the National Alliance of Sport and Clinks, a charity supporting the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system. Recommendations include: every prison, young offender institution, secure training centre and secure children’s home should...

Children with special educational needs and disability The BBC reports that Judge Rowley has ruled in the Upper Tribunal that the exclusion from school of a 13-year-old boy due to behaviour linked to his autism was unlawful. The judge ruled that "aggressive behaviour is not a choice for children with autism” and that their behaviour in school "is a manifestation of the very condition which calls for special educational provision to be made for them". Source: BBC Date: 14 August 2018 Further...

Children living in households with complex needs The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report analysing the voices of children living in households with domestic abuse, parental substance misuse and parental mental health problems. The report presents findings from interviews with 15 children and young people aged 6 to 19 who were supported in three projects in London, Doncaster and Herefordshire. The interviews explored: how experiences at home affected their emotional...

Unaccompanied asylum seeking children The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has published a report looking at the Home Office’s handling of unaccompanied asylum seeking children and how it ensured the best interest of the child were considered throughout the asylum process. The report covers the reception and intake of unaccompanied asylum seeking children; age dispute and age assessment; the National Transfer Scheme, and decision making. The report is published in...

Child poverty and education The National Education Union (NEU) has published a report looking at the extent to which poverty is damaging the educational opportunities for children from poor families. Findings from a snapshot survey of 908 NEU members including heads, teachers and school support staff working in England, Wales and Northern Ireland finds that: 87% of respondents said that poverty is having a significant impact on the learning of their pupils and students; and 60% believe that...

Pupil wellbeing NASUWT The Teachers’ Union has released figures following a survey of teachers on pupil wellbeing. Findings from survey responses received from 1,359 teachers include: 75% said they are aware of pupils being bullied in school and 70% were aware of pupils being bullied online or via mobile phone outside the school day; 39% said they were aware of students being sexually harassed by other pupils; 96% believe they come into contact with pupils who are experiencing mental health...

Authors: Jamie R. Yoder, Rebecca Dillard and Larraine Stehlik Format: Article Summary: Explores the perspectives of young people with sexually inappropriate behaviours and their caregivers regarding family relationships and stress. Looks at the effects of parent and youth stress and protective parenting approaches as they correlate with family relationships. Uses the survey results of 46 young people aged 10-17 referred to child protective services and their caregivers. Finds that young...

Authors: Kieran F. McCartan, James Hoggett and Jack O'Sullivan Format: Article Summary: Examines police officers' understandings of and attitudes to the sex offenders' register, Violent and Sex Offenders' Register (VISOR) and Child Sexual Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) in England and Wales. The research is based on a US study using a mixed methods approach including an online survey. Findings showed that police officers were supportive of the registers in principle but they found the...