News and communications

Government publishes new data showing 195,355 children benefitting from government-funded childcare for 2-year-olds in successful April launch.

• Updated: 19 April 2024

Statement to Parliament from Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, at the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

• Updated: 17 April 2024

Professor Sir Chris Whitty writes for The Guardian on smoking addiction and MPs' historic opportunity to vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

MPs to vote on legislation to create first smokefree generation, protecting young people turning 15 this year or younger from harms of smoking.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

As delivered by Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

The Chief Nursing Officers and Senior Midwives of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have spoken out in support of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

Parents on Universal Credit can now receive up to £1,311 more a year in childcare support following a 6.7% boost coming into effect, as the government’s expansion of free childcare for working parents delivers 150,000 places…

• Updated: 10 April 2024

Notification of additional funding to local authorities to provide extra support to care leavers at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping.

• Updated: 10 April 2024

Child Benefit rates go up on 6 April 2024.

• Updated: 2 April 2024

First phase of the biggest ever expansion of childcare starts giving working parents of 2-year-olds access to 15 hours a week.

• Updated: 1 April 2024

Ofsted has today published a thematic review looking at how adoption services provided by regional adoption agencies (RAAs) contribute to good outcomes for children and families.

• Updated: 26 March 2024

Consultation launched on proposals to expand scheme to 1.6 million more people to help tackle tooth decay.

• Updated: 25 March 2024

A new government campaign will be launched to support parents as research highlights some are unaware their baby's mental health impacts their early development.

• Updated: 22 March 2024

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will deliver on the Prime Minister's commitment to create a smokefree generation, saving thousands of lives and billions for the NHS.

• Updated: 20 March 2024

Places boosted even further with new measures to support childminders, and funding rates confirmed for all childcare providers ahead of historic rollout.

• Updated: 15 March 2024

Working families can save up to £2,000 a year per child on their childcare bills with Tax-Free Childcare.

• Updated: 12 March 2024

The investment will be provided over the next 3 years to ensure maternity services listen to and act on women’s experiences.

• Updated: 10 March 2024

Thousands of children and young people will benefit from expanded mental health hubs as the government will offer more funding for local communities.

• Updated: 1 March 2024

Ofsted has today published guidance for inspecting providers of supported accommodation and the outcome of the consultation.

• Updated: 29 February 2024

Baby loss certificates for parents who experienced a loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks are now available for application from 9am today (22 February 2024).

• Updated: 22 February 2024