News & opinion

Our latest news, and opinions from across the sector.

News & opinion — 16 Feb 2026

Conception to reception: Reframing school readiness

Based on evidence from the recent A Better Start school readiness-themed insight report, the National Children’s Bureau will be delivering a free webinar for early years practitioners, local authorities and educators, and any professionals interested in childhood development.

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News & opinion — 12 Feb 2026

NCB announces major new partnerships to strengthen wellbeing and tackle bullying in schools

During this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week, the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) is proud to share two significant new partnerships that will strengthen support for children’s wellbeing and embed preventative, evidence‑informed practice across the education system.

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News & opinion — 11 Feb 2026

CDC welcomes Govt announcement of new 'inclusion bases' in schools

Alongside the new Education Estates Strategy, the Government has announced new inclusion bases to support students with additional needs. The new inclusion bases will replace SEN units, resourced provisions, and pupil support units.

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The early years — 22 Jan 2026

Why avoiding race does not give every child the best start in life

Sandra Igwe MBE, Founder & Chief Executive, The Motherhood Group, outlines in a blog the impacts of race and racism in early years policy and practice.

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News & opinion — 21 Jan 2026

SEND - a system in crisis or one that is finally able to articulate its challenges?

Amanda Allard, Director of the Council for Disabled Children, looks ahead to the planned SEND reforms expected in the Schools White Paper and invites nominations for the 2026 SEND Awards.

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Policy — 20 Jan 2026

NCB questions 'blanket bans' as Govt announces national consultation on children's use of mobile phones and social media

The National Children’s Bureau welcomes the government’s decision to launch an in-depth consultation designed to trigger a national conversation with children, parents and civil society about how to improve children’s relationships with mobile phones and social media. But we also add a warning: blanket bans could have unwelcome consequences.

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Policy — 12 Jan 2026

Changing Narratives: Our learnings from the Living Assessments project

What happens when parents, care-experienced young people, and disabled young people are invited to shape research and influence policy?

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News & opinion — 15 Dec 2025

NCB appoints Sarah Mullen as its new Chair of Trustees

NCB is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Chair of the Board of Trustees, following a competitive recruitment process that attracted a strong field of applicants.

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News & opinion — 12 Dec 2025

New consultation: Child Protection Authority (England)

A consultation on the creation of a Child Protection Authority in England is now open for submissions, and we encourage the sector to respond to it as widely as possible.

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SEND & inclusion — 12 Dec 2025

Response to child safeguarding review at London secondary school

The findings of a review of safeguarding practices at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy will resonate painfully with too many parents across the country whose children have had similar experiences.

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Policy — 10 Dec 2025

NCB convenes second early years leaders summit

Following the successful first summit in May, senior representatives from the early years sector reconvened to discuss turning the Best Start in Life policy ambitions into effective system-wide action.

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Mental health & wellbeing — 8 Dec 2025

NCB welcomes new review into mental health, autism and ADHD services

This next step in the government's 10 Year Health Plan is a critical opportunity to tackle a generational crisis through a systems-wide approach that builds on existing practice and knowledge.

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News & opinion

Conception to reception: Reframing school readiness

NCB announces major new partnerships to strengthen wellbeing and tackle bullying in schools

CDC welcomes Govt announcement of new 'inclusion bases' in schools

Why avoiding race does not give every child the best start in life

SEND - a system in crisis or one that is finally able to articulate its challenges?

NCB questions 'blanket bans' as Govt announces national consultation on children's use of mobile phones and social media

Changing Narratives: Our learnings from the Living Assessments project

NCB appoints Sarah Mullen as its new Chair of Trustees

New consultation: Child Protection Authority (England)

Response to child safeguarding review at London secondary school

NCB convenes second early years leaders summit

NCB welcomes new review into mental health, autism and ADHD services

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