Support with extra costs over the school holidays
Families across Scotland are being encouraged to check what financial and community support they may be entitled to as expenses rise over the summer break. When schools close, many families face increased financial pressure on household budgets, including the cost of food, childcare, clothing and activities. Ongoing cost of living challenges can also make this time of year particularly difficult. Social Security Scotland provides a range of payments to help families with everyday costs. These include Best Start Foods, a prepaid card worth up to £44.80 per […]
Childcare Support Fund: how to apply
The Childcare Support Fund is a £15 million, single-year grant for 2026 to 2027 designed to support low-income families who are living in poverty or at risk of living in poverty by helping them manage the cost of childcare and reduce financial pressures at key times. The Fund contributes to the drivers of child poverty reduction set out in […]
Protecting young people against MenB
Thousands of young people in Scotland are to be offered free vaccination against meningococcal B disease (MenB) ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. Meningococcal disease, which can include meningitis and/or septicaemia, is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities including amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage. It is fatal in around 10% of cases. The […]
Change lives – in and beyond the classroom
Every day, teachers create calm, nurturing spaces where children feel safe and encouraged to thrive. The care you bring to the classroom can make a lasting difference — and for some children, that same support is needed beyond the school day. At Aberlour Children’s Charity, foster carers help children and young people who can’t live […]
Applications open for Best Start Grant School Age Payment
Families across Scotland can now apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school, as applications for Best Start Grant School Age Payment open now (1 June 2026). The payment, unique to Scotland, is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. It […]
Families Invited to Apply for Edinburgh Holiday Hub Support
Applications are now being accepted for Edinburgh’s long-established Holiday Hub programme, which supports children and young people with disabilities and additional support needs. Organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, the initiative offers school holiday activities for those who may not be able to take part in mainstream programmes because of the level of support […]
Childline Counselling Sessions about Online Child Sexual Abuse Jump by over a Third in one Year
Children’s charity the NSPCC are raising the alarm as Childline counselling sessions about online child sexual abuse and exploitation jumped by more than a third in the last year. New data from the NSPCC-run service reveals that between April 2025 and March 2026 Childline delivered 2,444 counselling sessions about online child sexual abuse and exploitation, marking a 36% annual increase. […]
Frosties Named UK’s Most Sugary Children’s Cereal as Junk Food ad Ban comes into Force
Frosties has been identified as the most sugary breakfast cereal marketed to children, according to new research, as new restrictions on junk food advertising come into effect across the UK. From April, foods and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) can no longer be advertised on television before 21∶00 or online at any […]
Are We Over-Parenting Our Kids?
By Katrina Mallon of Destined For Greatness NI – With over 20 years’ experience in EANI’s Behaviour Support Service and a background in leading EOTAS Primary Provision, Katrina is passionate about helping children thrive. She now works closely with parents and schools to support children’s social, emotional, and behavioural wellbeing. Learn more at www. destinedforgreatnessni.com. […]
Egg-splore, Egg-speriment, Enjoy! Family Easter Fun
Creating a joyful Easter for the whole family is all about embracing the excitement and fun this time brings. For children, it’s a welcome break from school, full of chocolate eggs, sweet treats and familiar traditions. While Easter egg hunts and outings are always popular, it’s worth considering how to make these experiences enjoyable for […]
How monologues can help young people build confidence, creativity, and communication skills
By Kate Brewster, Creative Content and Partnerships Manager at PQA – Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts For many children, the idea of speaking alone on a stage in front of others can seem daunting. Yet moments like school assemblies and year group plays are often part of growing up. These early experiences help build the […]
A Little Bit of Everything with Lukas Baker
A Little Bit of Everything is a warm, family-focused cookbook inspired by Lukas Baker’s German English roots. Filled with simple meals, comforting favourites and personal stories, it brings together recipes for all ages and skill levels. A celebration of home cooking, family traditions and the joy of sharing food. Here he’s sharing two delicious recipes […]