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“We really do encourage parents to check if their child needs any vaccinations to make sure they are properly protected.”

“Good quality early education can make an enormous difference to children’s lives, with around 40 per cent of the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers emerging by age 5."

“The Government needs to use the forthcoming Spending Review to properly resource all early years settings to ensure that we can make a significant difference to the attainment gap.”

“Childhood obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges we face and this report is another stark reminder of the urgent need for radical action to combat this."

“As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic becomes apparent, more children, young people and their families are likely to need support."

"Equality of access to laptops and the internet for online learning have been an issue for pupils, while the closure of schools will have an impact on all children."

The LGA said councils are bracing themselves for a rise in referrals for support that would have normally been made when children were being seen regularly by social workers and health workers. Some children and families will need significant interventions, including child protection plans or even coming into the care system. But for many, they will just need some extra help to get through a difficult period. That could be low level mental health support, sessions with a youth worker, understanding how to support children showing difficult behaviours, or working through parental conflict. H

"No young person should have to go hungry and ensuring vulnerable pupils are provided for is a top priority for councils."

“It is essential that we have enough childcare places to support families to ensure the country can recover from COVID-19, both economically and socially."

“Youth services have a vital role to play in providing young people with safe spaces to go and trusted relationships with adults who can help them make positive life choices and avoid being drawn into negative situations during and after the pandemic."