Rising numbers of adults reaching out to NSPCC Helpline about children being left home alone
Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline from adults concerned about a child being left at home alone or unsupervised have risen by 11%, the charity reports as it offers parents advice with the summer holidays approaching. The service, which provides help and advice for adults with concerns about the wellbeing of a child, handled 7,452 contacts […]
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 […]
Schools encouraged to celebrate the International Day of Play on 11 June with ‘Play 31 Challenge’
Play organisations across the UK and Ireland are calling on all schools to join the Play 31 Challenge on 11 June, marking the International Day of Play and celebrating every child’s right to play. The United Nations has designated 11 June as the International Day of Play, recognising the power of play at the heart […]
Free family-friendly Live Site offers sporting opportunities at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Children, young people and families can enjoy free activities, sport and live screenings of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games events at the Game On Live Site this summer. Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park will be transformed for 11 days to allow families and fans to gather to watch the Games on giant screens, while getting the chance to try a diverse […]
Nominations for the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2026 are now open
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for children’s health, wellbeing, or rights? Nominations for the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2026 are now open. This is your chance to recognise a child, young person, professional, or team making an extraordinary difference and helping to get it right for every child. Celebrate someone special […]
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 […]
Phone-free learning in Scottish schools
School learning environments across Scotland will become phone free under measures announced by Education Secretary Màiri McAllan. Highlighting the damage phones can cause to pupils’ wellbeing and education, Ms McAllan confirmed forthcoming legislation to restrict their use in all of Scotland’s schools. A consultation will be launched within the new government’s first 100 days, with […]
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 […]
Over 321,000 Children getting Vital Support
Across Scotland, 321,885 children are benefiting from Scottish Child Payment as of March 2026, according to newly published statistics. Launched in February 2021, the Scotland-only benefit is a weekly payment of £28.20, paid every four weeks to every eligible child under 16 within a household. Scottish Child Payment is expected to keep 50,000 children out of relative […]
Schools Encouraged To Get Growing For National Children’s Gardening Week
Classrooms across the UK are being encouraged to get outdoors and start growing as National Children’s Gardening Week returns this month. Taking place from 24 May to 1 June, the annual event celebrates gardening and outdoor learning while encouraging children to connect with nature through simple hands-on activities. Schools, nurseries and families are all being […]
A Christmas Carol Child Casting Call
The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh is delighted to announce a new casting opportunity for child performers for its festive show 2026 – “A Christmas Carol”. The Lyceum Christmas show is an exciting annual event and the opportunity to be part of a professional company is a great chance to develop as a performer, whilst also […]