The number of children in need at 31 March has increased this year, from 389,040 in 2017 to 404,710 in 2018, an increase of 4.0%. The number of episodes of need starting in the year has risen by 1.7% from 400,110 to 406,770, whereas the number of episodes ending in the year fell by 1.3% from 353,860 to 349,130.
For the full statistics, click here. For the Local Government Association’s response, click here.
Lord Justice Cobb appointed President of the Family Division.
On 23rd April 2026, The Rt Hon Lord Justice Cobb was announced as President of the Family Division, Head of Family Justice, President of the
Adoption orders are final, Supreme Court finds
The courts have no jurisdiction to set aside a validly made adoption order other than through an appeal, the Supreme Court has found. Read the
Maths pupils ‘make slower progress in mixed ability classes’
Pupils in mixed-ability classes make slower progress in maths compared to those grouped by attainment, a new report suggests. Using sets for maths also did not “significantly