Centre for Young Lives
@cfyounglives.bsky.social
We are a new independent think tank and delivery unit dedicated to improving the lives of children, young people, and families. Our Exec Chair is Baroness Anne Longfield.
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
We urgently need a whole system response to address the multifaceted root causes of school absence.
Our latest analysis highlights a persisting attendance crisis, with inequalities related to poverty and disadvantage becoming entrenched.
Read on for insights and recommendations 👇
#ChildrenFirst
Our latest analysis highlights a persisting attendance crisis, with inequalities related to poverty and disadvantage becoming entrenched.
Read on for insights and recommendations 👇
#ChildrenFirst
November 14, 2025 at 10:02 AM
We urgently need a whole system response to address the multifaceted root causes of school absence.
Our latest analysis highlights a persisting attendance crisis, with inequalities related to poverty and disadvantage becoming entrenched.
Read on for insights and recommendations 👇
#ChildrenFirst
Our latest analysis highlights a persisting attendance crisis, with inequalities related to poverty and disadvantage becoming entrenched.
Read on for insights and recommendations 👇
#ChildrenFirst
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
For week 8 of our #ChildrenFirst campaign, we're talking oral health
New gov policies reflect evidence from Child of the North and @cfyounglives.bsky.social and offer optimism, but there is still much to do
Social inequalities must be addressed so that no child is left behind
Cont. in comments
New gov policies reflect evidence from Child of the North and @cfyounglives.bsky.social and offer optimism, but there is still much to do
Social inequalities must be addressed so that no child is left behind
Cont. in comments
October 31, 2025 at 12:28 PM
For week 8 of our #ChildrenFirst campaign, we're talking oral health
New gov policies reflect evidence from Child of the North and @cfyounglives.bsky.social and offer optimism, but there is still much to do
Social inequalities must be addressed so that no child is left behind
Cont. in comments
New gov policies reflect evidence from Child of the North and @cfyounglives.bsky.social and offer optimism, but there is still much to do
Social inequalities must be addressed so that no child is left behind
Cont. in comments
We’ve joined 100+ others in calling for the government to fully scrap the two-child limit. Every child deserves the best start in life. By fully scrapping the two-child limit the government can deliver a decisive shift in children’s opportunities, and in the UK's potential.
November 12, 2025 at 9:56 AM
We’ve joined 100+ others in calling for the government to fully scrap the two-child limit. Every child deserves the best start in life. By fully scrapping the two-child limit the government can deliver a decisive shift in children’s opportunities, and in the UK's potential.
We’ve published a new report
setting out a framework for the Government to ensure that its Best Start Family Hubs are effectively delivered and meet the needs of those children and families who need them most.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
setting out a framework for the Government to ensure that its Best Start Family Hubs are effectively delivered and meet the needs of those children and families who need them most.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
Centre for Young Lives report urges Government to embed Best Start Family Hubs in law and target new funding at England’s areas of greatest need and “childcare deserts” | Centre for Young Lives | Pres...
This report sets out a framework for the Government to ensure that its Best Start Family Hubs – the successor to Sure Start – are effectively delivered and meet the needs of those children and familie...
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 6:57 AM
We’ve published a new report
setting out a framework for the Government to ensure that its Best Start Family Hubs are effectively delivered and meet the needs of those children and families who need them most.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
setting out a framework for the Government to ensure that its Best Start Family Hubs are effectively delivered and meet the needs of those children and families who need them most.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
A new Child of the North report finds that the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system is facing a worsening crisis that is putting the UK on the brink of national emergency.
www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
@n8research.bsky.social @cfyounglives.bsky.social glives.bsky.social
www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
@n8research.bsky.social @cfyounglives.bsky.social glives.bsky.social
'National emergency' over worsening SEND crisis
The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, already known to be in deep trouble, now faces ‘a worsening crisis’ which, say experts, puts the UK on the brink of a national emergency.
www.leeds.ac.uk
October 29, 2025 at 9:39 AM
A new Child of the North report finds that the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system is facing a worsening crisis that is putting the UK on the brink of national emergency.
www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
@n8research.bsky.social @cfyounglives.bsky.social glives.bsky.social
www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article...
@n8research.bsky.social @cfyounglives.bsky.social glives.bsky.social
The last four weeks have been a shocking and often infuriating insight into how Government failed so many children during a national time of crisis.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
October 27, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The last four weeks have been a shocking and often infuriating insight into how Government failed so many children during a national time of crisis.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
Today’s DfE stats on pupil absence show a welcome fall in persistent absence, but another increase in severe absence.
Pupils eligible for free school means remain over three and half times more likely to be severe absentees than those not eligible.
Pupils eligible for free school means remain over three and half times more likely to be severe absentees than those not eligible.
October 23, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Today’s DfE stats on pupil absence show a welcome fall in persistent absence, but another increase in severe absence.
Pupils eligible for free school means remain over three and half times more likely to be severe absentees than those not eligible.
Pupils eligible for free school means remain over three and half times more likely to be severe absentees than those not eligible.
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
👩👩👦 | NEW REPORT: Families, teachers and professionals all agree: the SEND system isn’t working. Our latest report shows how we can move towards an education system that works for every child.
Read here: www.ippr.org/articles/breaking-the-cycle-send-reform
Read here: www.ippr.org/articles/breaking-the-cycle-send-reform
October 23, 2025 at 6:57 AM
👩👩👦 | NEW REPORT: Families, teachers and professionals all agree: the SEND system isn’t working. Our latest report shows how we can move towards an education system that works for every child.
Read here: www.ippr.org/articles/breaking-the-cycle-send-reform
Read here: www.ippr.org/articles/breaking-the-cycle-send-reform
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
🚨 | NEW BLOG: The government’s new Young Futures Hubs could transform support for young people — but only if they meet the needs of girls and young women.
Our new blog with @cfyounglives.bsky.social & @agenda-alliance.bsky.social explores how to make that happen.
www.ippr.org/articles/mee...
Our new blog with @cfyounglives.bsky.social & @agenda-alliance.bsky.social explores how to make that happen.
www.ippr.org/articles/mee...
Making space: Meeting the needs of young women and girls through Young Futures | IPPR
Young people are facing a rising tide of complex challenges. Growing up through more than a decade of austerity, the grip of social media, rising child pov
www.ippr.org
October 21, 2025 at 9:16 AM
🚨 | NEW BLOG: The government’s new Young Futures Hubs could transform support for young people — but only if they meet the needs of girls and young women.
Our new blog with @cfyounglives.bsky.social & @agenda-alliance.bsky.social explores how to make that happen.
www.ippr.org/articles/mee...
Our new blog with @cfyounglives.bsky.social & @agenda-alliance.bsky.social explores how to make that happen.
www.ippr.org/articles/mee...
Young Futures, the government's "Sure Start for Teenagers" programme, could transform outcomes for girls and young women. Together with @agenda-alliance.bsky.social and @ippr.org we've set out how to break down the barriers facing girls and young women.
ippr.org/articles/mee...
ippr.org/articles/mee...
Making space: Meeting the needs of young women and girls through Young Futures | IPPR
Young people are facing a rising tide of complex challenges. Growing up through more than a decade of austerity, the grip of social media, rising child pov
ippr.org
October 21, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Young Futures, the government's "Sure Start for Teenagers" programme, could transform outcomes for girls and young women. Together with @agenda-alliance.bsky.social and @ippr.org we've set out how to break down the barriers facing girls and young women.
ippr.org/articles/mee...
ippr.org/articles/mee...
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
Interesting panel on the power of sport by @eplscores.bsky.social and @cfyounglives.bsky.social - importance of sport in community identity and belonging, and the role of skills learning, freedom of play & trusting relationships with adults
September 29, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Interesting panel on the power of sport by @eplscores.bsky.social and @cfyounglives.bsky.social - importance of sport in community identity and belonging, and the role of skills learning, freedom of play & trusting relationships with adults
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
“We know the evidence, we know what works, let’s take action”. That was the message from young experts by experience at the Labour Party conference this week, where we co-hosted a session as part of the #FutureMinds campaign with @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social YoungMinds and @cfyounglives.bsky.social
October 2, 2025 at 3:41 PM
“We know the evidence, we know what works, let’s take action”. That was the message from young experts by experience at the Labour Party conference this week, where we co-hosted a session as part of the #FutureMinds campaign with @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social YoungMinds and @cfyounglives.bsky.social
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
Learn more about our latest report and campaign in collaboration with @cfyounglives.bsky.social
www.n8research.org.uk/child-of-the...
www.n8research.org.uk/child-of-the...
Child of the North launches new campaign as latest findings reveal worrying trends - N8 Research Partnership
New campaign launches at the National Opportunity Summit: Building a country that works for all children and young people A new campaign is launching today in response to the latest analysis by the Ch...
www.n8research.org.uk
September 9, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Learn more about our latest report and campaign in collaboration with @cfyounglives.bsky.social
www.n8research.org.uk/child-of-the...
www.n8research.org.uk/child-of-the...
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
The afternoon session at the National Opportunity Summit has begun, with 12 academics from across the N8+ presenting key findings and tried & tested local solutions to improve outcomes for children and young people @cfyounglives.bsky.social @choral-research.bsky.social #NatOppSummit #ChildrenFirst
September 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM
The afternoon session at the National Opportunity Summit has begun, with 12 academics from across the N8+ presenting key findings and tried & tested local solutions to improve outcomes for children and young people @cfyounglives.bsky.social @choral-research.bsky.social #NatOppSummit #ChildrenFirst
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
The latest data shows that young people's mental health is in major decline. Inaction is not an option. Alongside @cfyounglives.bsky.social @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social & Young Minds, we're calling for rapid and sustained investment to turn the tide: www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/publications...
July 30, 2025 at 11:09 AM
The latest data shows that young people's mental health is in major decline. Inaction is not an option. Alongside @cfyounglives.bsky.social @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social & Young Minds, we're calling for rapid and sustained investment to turn the tide: www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
👉 New report from @cfyounglives.bsky.social exposes the scale and nature of childhood vulnerability in England in 2025. Read more shorturl.at/BAnhJ
Centre for Young Lives’ 2025 State of Childhood Vulnerability report warns the Covid pandemic is still casting a long shadow over millions of children in England five years on | Centre for Young Lives...
The Centre for Young Lives think tank launches its annual report on childhood vulnerability ‘State of the Nation: Identifying Vulnerable Children and Young People and Supporting Them to Thrive’.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk
August 1, 2025 at 2:46 PM
👉 New report from @cfyounglives.bsky.social exposes the scale and nature of childhood vulnerability in England in 2025. Read more shorturl.at/BAnhJ
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
Pleased to see the Creativity and Culture Report featured in Schools Week. The insights and messages it highlights remain just as vital today as ever!
@n8research.bsky.social, @cfyounglives.bsky.social, @childofthenorth.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-to-creat...
@n8research.bsky.social, @cfyounglives.bsky.social, @childofthenorth.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-to-creat...
How to set trust-wide culture to closing the enrichment gap
Here's how we're ensuring every child in each of our schools accesses aspiration-raising opportunities
schoolsweek.co.uk
August 26, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Pleased to see the Creativity and Culture Report featured in Schools Week. The insights and messages it highlights remain just as vital today as ever!
@n8research.bsky.social, @cfyounglives.bsky.social, @childofthenorth.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-to-creat...
@n8research.bsky.social, @cfyounglives.bsky.social, @childofthenorth.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-to-creat...
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
New research that ‘shines a spotlight on the millions of children growing up with vulnerabilities in England’ shows the need for joined-up action from government, says @cfyounglives.bsky.social founder @annelongfield.bsky.social
Pandemic ‘still casts a long shadow’ for millions of children
Publishing a report revealing the scale of vulnerability among children in England, the Centre for Young Lives calls for the government to provide joined-up solutions
www.tes.com
July 25, 2025 at 5:05 AM
New research that ‘shines a spotlight on the millions of children growing up with vulnerabilities in England’ shows the need for joined-up action from government, says @cfyounglives.bsky.social founder @annelongfield.bsky.social
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
The new report by @cfyounglives.bsky.social reveals how many measures of vulnerability like poverty, children’s mental health, Special Educational Needs, school attendance, and the number of children going into social care have worsened and continued to hold children back since the pandemic.
Centre for Young Lives’ 2025 State of Childhood Vulnerability report warns the Covid pandemic is still casting a long shadow over millions of children in England five years on | Centre for Young Lives...
The Centre for Young Lives think tank launches its annual report on childhood vulnerability ‘State of the Nation: Identifying Vulnerable Children and Young People and Supporting Them to Thrive’.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk
July 28, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The new report by @cfyounglives.bsky.social reveals how many measures of vulnerability like poverty, children’s mental health, Special Educational Needs, school attendance, and the number of children going into social care have worsened and continued to hold children back since the pandemic.
Our research published last week shows how the Covid pandemic is still casting a long shadow over the lives of many children in England.
t.co/FHpqjTlzcj
t.co/FHpqjTlzcj
July 30, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Our research published last week shows how the Covid pandemic is still casting a long shadow over the lives of many children in England.
t.co/FHpqjTlzcj
t.co/FHpqjTlzcj
The commitments to improving support for children and young people with mental health problems in the 10YP plan and PM’s speech are welcome. The focus on early intervention is long overdue. The Govt must now invest in and reform children's mental health support.
July 3, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The commitments to improving support for children and young people with mental health problems in the 10YP plan and PM’s speech are welcome. The focus on early intervention is long overdue. The Govt must now invest in and reform children's mental health support.
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
Prof Debbie Watson @profdebw.bsky.social teams up with
Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of Centre for Young Lives, on #BBCWomansHour to promote the creation of more outdoor spaces for children to play and grow!🌳✨ @cfyounglives.bsky.social
Listen again at 49.06
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of Centre for Young Lives, on #BBCWomansHour to promote the creation of more outdoor spaces for children to play and grow!🌳✨ @cfyounglives.bsky.social
Listen again at 49.06
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Woman's Hour - Comedian Rosie Jones, Grooming gangs, Playing outside - BBC Sounds
Actor, comedian and writer Rosie Jones joins us to discuss her first sitcom, Pushers.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Prof Debbie Watson @profdebw.bsky.social teams up with
Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of Centre for Young Lives, on #BBCWomansHour to promote the creation of more outdoor spaces for children to play and grow!🌳✨ @cfyounglives.bsky.social
Listen again at 49.06
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of Centre for Young Lives, on #BBCWomansHour to promote the creation of more outdoor spaces for children to play and grow!🌳✨ @cfyounglives.bsky.social
Listen again at 49.06
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Centre for Young Lives
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prof Simon James. We were privileged that he agreed to lead our report with @cfyounglives.bsky.social on Arts & Creativity, which he did with enormous passion and skill.
You can read the full report here: www.n8research.org.uk/research-foc...
You can read the full report here: www.n8research.org.uk/research-foc...
Child of the North 2024/25 Campaign - Report 12 - N8 Research Partnership
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www.n8research.org.uk
June 18, 2025 at 2:44 PM
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prof Simon James. We were privileged that he agreed to lead our report with @cfyounglives.bsky.social on Arts & Creativity, which he did with enormous passion and skill.
You can read the full report here: www.n8research.org.uk/research-foc...
You can read the full report here: www.n8research.org.uk/research-foc...
Today our year-long Raising the Nation Play Commission into why play is critical to the wellbeing and development of children publishes its Final Report, #EverythingToPlayFor.
It’s time to reclaim childhood with a National Play Strategy for England.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
It’s time to reclaim childhood with a National Play Strategy for England.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
June 11, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Today our year-long Raising the Nation Play Commission into why play is critical to the wellbeing and development of children publishes its Final Report, #EverythingToPlayFor.
It’s time to reclaim childhood with a National Play Strategy for England.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
It’s time to reclaim childhood with a National Play Strategy for England.
www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/news-centre/...
The Raising the Nation Play Commission publishes its final report tomorrow.
Children’s voices have been crucial to our work.
We asked children from Surrey Square Primary to help us imagine the future of play in England.
youtu.be/QJWQxIPtm0w?...
Children’s voices have been crucial to our work.
We asked children from Surrey Square Primary to help us imagine the future of play in England.
youtu.be/QJWQxIPtm0w?...
Everything to Play For ...
YouTube video by Centre for Young Lives
youtu.be
June 10, 2025 at 10:35 AM
The Raising the Nation Play Commission publishes its final report tomorrow.
Children’s voices have been crucial to our work.
We asked children from Surrey Square Primary to help us imagine the future of play in England.
youtu.be/QJWQxIPtm0w?...
Children’s voices have been crucial to our work.
We asked children from Surrey Square Primary to help us imagine the future of play in England.
youtu.be/QJWQxIPtm0w?...