Parents say they are having to travel longer distances and even borrow money to meet childcare costs.

It comes as the government in England expands its funded-hours offer.

Kirsten Buckley and her husband started searching for childcare straight after their 12-week scan. But most of the 30 nurseries and childminders they called had waiting lists until the end of 2025. It took more than a year to find a place for their twins, Taran and Evie.

And last month, Ms Buckley received a call to say the childminder they were booked in with had to pull out because of personal circumstances – leaving the family “scrabbling” once more.

The couple, who live in Severn Beach, South Gloucestershire, expanded their search to Wales, where they have now found a nursery space two days a week. “We will be spending a lot more money on petrol driving across the Severn Bridge,” says Ms Buckley, an NHS hospital librarian who works near Bristol.

The day rate at the nursery, for both twins, will be more than her daily wage – but after years of training to specialise in her field, she is keen to keep working.

The family have put all their plans to move house and upsize “on hold”.

And Ms Buckley’s parents have just recently moved nearby so they can care for the twins when they are not at nursery.

“It’s been incredibly stressful,” she says. “The search for space has been longer and harder than I ever expected.”

The South West was among the worst-affected areas, with only one out of every five (21%) councils having enough spaces for children under two, Coram’s report found. But availability has dropped for pre-school children across England, Wales and Scotland.

The changes are expected to increase demand for spaces.

But the early-years sector has been struggling with underfunding and a severe shortage of qualified staff.

And some parents have told BBC News they will not be seeing a reduction in their bill.

In Northamptonshire, Therese and Toby Mower are spending more on nursery fees than their mortgage. This year’s bill will be £13,000. The couple, who have two daughters, Nora, six, and Quinn, two, were delighted when they first heard the government’s announcement.

But Quinn’s nursery has opted out of offering any government-funded hours from April.

Nurseries are mostly privately owned, so while most are choosing to deliver what the government has offered, they have no obligation to.

The post Childcare Shortage Worsens as Costs Rise appeared first on Promoting Health.

The Department for Education said children with allergies should be supported at school.

Reported on the BBC website, Helen Blythe, 37, stressed there was currently no evidence of failings at Benedict’s former school, but said his death had prompted her to take more interest in the management of allergies in educational settings. She said: “He was the loveliest boy, he was incredibly kind.. and very bright.” Being the parent of a child with a severe allergy meant being “constantly vigilant”, she said.

The research, carried out in partnership with The Institute of Clever Stuff, found a “postcode lottery” in terms of English schools adopting suggested safeguards, she said.

Almost half of the 2,198 schools analysed did not have life-saving medication on site and about a quarter did not provide training on allergy symptoms and what to do in an emergency.

Ms Blythe said: “Unfortunately, this report highlights a systemic failing in safe allergy provision for pupils with allergies.”

She said she would like schools to adopt four safeguarding areas; having an allergy policy, individual healthcare plans, medication on site and training for staff. “About 70% of the schools didn’t have [these] four basic safeguards for protecting pupils with allergies in place. It’s a shockingly high number that puts children needlessly at risk,” she said.

There are no mandatory policies to which schools must adhere – something Ms Blythe would like to see changed.

Michael Dove, the catering operations manager at Thomas Deacon Education Trust, which runs seven schools across Peterborough and Huntingdon says funding from central government would help schools manage allergies.

“We are finding it more challenging at the moment because we are finding we are having a lot of children with a lot of allergies, which is vastly increased. Most schools should be doing voluntary things but I think government should be able to give more support to the schools to highlight these issues,” he said.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We understand the seriousness of severe allergies and we are clear that children with medical conditions should be properly supported to enjoy a full education and be safe at school. “All schools are required to make arrangements that ensure this is the case.”

The post School Allergy Management Failings Found by Study appeared first on Promoting Health.

One of the most exciting aspects of joining an evening class is the chance to meet like-minded individuals who share your interests. Whether you’re passionate about photography, cooking, painting, or coding, you’ll find a diverse community of individuals who are equally enthusiastic about the subject.

The classroom setting provides an ideal environment to strike up conversations, exchange ideas, and build connections with people who have similar aspirations and goals.

Here are a few reasons why attending an evening class can help you make new friends:

1️⃣ Shared Interests: When you sign up for a class, you’re surrounded by people who have a genuine interest in the same topic. This shared passion creates an instant connection and serves as a great icebreaker for conversations. You can discuss the subject matter, exchange tips and tricks, or simply share your excitement about the learning journey. Over time, these interactions can blossom into lasting friendships.

2️⃣ Collaborative Learning: Many evening classes encourage teamwork and collaboration. You may find yourself paired up with classmates for group projects, discussions, or problem-solving activities. This collaborative environment fosters camaraderie and provides opportunities to work closely with others, leading to the formation of strong bonds and friendships.

3️⃣ Support and Motivation: Learning something new can be challenging, and having a supportive network can make a significant difference. When you attend an evening class, you’ll find yourself surrounded by individuals who are on the same learning journey. You can motivate and inspire each other, offer assistance when someone is struggling, and celebrate each other’s achievements. The shared experience of overcoming obstacles and reaching milestones together often leads to strong and enduring friendships.

4️⃣ Socialising Opportunities: Evening classes often extend beyond the classroom. Many participants organise informal gatherings, study groups, or outings related to the subject matter. These extracurricular activities provide additional chances to socialise, bond, and get to know your classmates in a more relaxed setting. From coffee meetups to weekend excursions, these social events offer an excellent platform for building friendships outside the classroom.

5️⃣ Diverse Perspectives: Evening classes attract individuals from various backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. This diversity enriches the learning experience and broadens your horisons. Engaging with people from different cultures, professions, and life experiences can open your mind to new ideas and perspectives. Building friendships with people from diverse backgrounds not only expands your social circle but also helps you grow as a person.

Attending an Evening Class
Attending an evening class is a fantastic way to combine personal growth with social interaction. It provides an avenue to pursue your interests while meeting interesting people who may become lifelong friends. So, why not take a leap and enroll in that art class, language course, or dance workshop you’ve always wanted to try? Step out of your comfort sone, embrace the learning experience, and make new friends along the way.

Remember, the journey of learning is not just about the subject matter but also about the connections you make with others who share your passions. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and forge meaningful relationships. You never know where your evening class adventure may lead you!

The post Attend an Evening Class and Make New Friends appeared first on Promoting Health.