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“Child poverty not only limits children’s life chances and wellbeing but also imposes significant long-term costs on our economy and society."

New feedback from councils, published in a new report today, shows that free holiday provision for low-income families improves children’s health and wellbeing and boosts future school attendance.

“We are pleased the Government has announced this plan as it is vital there is a national strategy for children and young people.

“These findings highlight that reform of the SEND system is needed urgently and is unavoidable."

“It is vitally important that inclusion is at the heart of reforming the SEND system, so it is good that government is investing in creating specialist places in mainstream schools, so children are able to attend their local school with their friends in their local area."

“Councils are working hard to use their finite resources in the best way possible to meet their legal duties to support children and young people with SEND."

“While it is encouraging to hear that the majority of children in care say life is getting better, clearly this important report highlights areas of concern, in particular the decline in wellbeing for care leavers.

“We are pleased government has introduced measures so that young people leaving care do not have to pay for prescriptions, as well as dental and eye care.

"Inspections and greater transparency will support improvement in educational standards, the identification and resolution of patterns of concern, and enable greater learning between trusts.”

“With more children needing help with increasingly complex and challenging needs, what is most important is ensuring they get the best care and support. No council wants to place a child in an unregistered setting, and it is extremely concerning that in many cases, a lack of choice means provision is not fully meeting children’s needs.