Children’s Health
A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENT
UK children deserve better health and prevention services This year’s State of Child Health report exposes worsening outcomes and inequalities across the UK. It calls for urgent investment in child health services to prevent neglect and health risks.
E
very child in the UK deserves the best possible start in life. Right now, too many are being denied it.
departments with problems that should have been prevented.
Health issues and inequities faced by children
Professor Steve Turner President, RCPCH
Investing in children early and focusing on prevention
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Paediatricians know how to make Child Health (RCPCH) State of Child children healthy. This includes Every child should have Health 2026 report paints a stark investment in the early years, tackling the chance to grow up picture: on almost every measure that child poverty and ensuring children’s matters — such as infant mortality, health and wellbeing are prioritised happy, healthy and well. obesity, mental health, dental decay, by politicians. If we raise the immunisation rates — outcomes healthiest generation, NHS costs will for children in the UK are stalling be reduced, and all aspects of society or getting worse. These declines are not shared equally; will benefit. children growing up in poverty, in the most deprived That’s why RCPCH is calling on the Government to put communities and from certain ethnic backgrounds are most children’s health at the centre of policymaking. We need impacted. to collect better-quality data on child health and wellbeing This downward trend isn’t inevitable. Instead, it is a direct and commit to meaningful targets to improve their health consequence of more than a decade of underinvestment in and reduce inequalities. Moreover, we must address the community-based services that keep children well and the longstanding inequity in spending between child and failure to provide a healthy environment for all children to adult health services alongside a funded, long-term child thrive in. From health visiting and school nursing to access health workforce strategy. to healthy foods, there is more that can and should be done. Every child should have the chance to grow up Paediatricians on the frontline are seeing the results every happy, healthy and well. The evidence is clear. The moment day, with more children arriving in clinics and emergency to act is now.
Steps for both parent and child to navigate returning to school Children’s return to school or move to secondary school can feel like a big task. Learn how to support your child — and yourself — through this transition.
U Judah Racham Programme Lead, Place2Be
nderstanding why the transition feels hard is a helpful starting point. Some children adapt quickly, while others find a new environment overwhelming. Recognising this can help you respond with empathy rather than pressure.
Managing change and building confidence
Let your child know it’s normal to feel both excited and scared about change. Nerves are part of preparing for something new, and settling in takes time. They may get things wrong or feel unsure at first, and that’s okay. Remind them of past times they coped with change to show them how capable they are. Before term starts, explore any worries together — like friendships, getting lost or homework. Looking at the school website, exploring clubs, visiting the building, shopping for READ MORE AT WWW.HEALTHAWARENESS.CO.UK
uniform and planning the journey are small steps that can help your child feel more confident. Once school has started, check in during calm moments. Listening for how they’re managing friendships and how they feel socially gives you the chance to offer support. Encourage them to meet new friends outside school too, and keep an eye on their online interactions.
Acknowledge your own feelings
Many parents worry about saying the right thing or knowing how much to step in. Remind yourself this isn’t about getting everything perfect on day one; it’s a gradual process. Looking after your own wellbeing will help you stay steady and supportive for your child. With patience, reassurance and practical preparation, you can help your child (and yourself) feel more confident about this new chapter.
Place2Be is a leading children’s mental health charity, delivering expert, embedded, timely mental health support in schools, so every child can thrive. We train and recruit highly qualified mental health professionals into schools, providing children with support where they are and when they need it most. We also support mental health across the whole school through one-to-one counselling, group work with Journey of Hope resilience programmes and Place2Talk, our self-referral service for pupils. Our practitioners also empower parents, carers and staff with practical tools and guidance to help children thrive. Beyond schools, Place2Be offers free access to an online parenting and mental health hub for all families, with expert advice, videos and practical tips on emotions, behaviour and everyday family life: www.parentingsmart.org.uk
MEDIAPLANET
05