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Children’s Commissioner Declares National Emergency for Services

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 11:09 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

De Souza Declares Emergency

England’s Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza declared a national emergency for children’s services.
The Childhood Lottery report named Middlesbrough, Hounslow and Bradford as the most challenging places to grow up.
One third of English children are not ready for school by age five, the report found.
De Souza recommended a national fund, minimum standards and a deputy mayor for children in every strategic authority.

Summary

Cooke Announces Youth Clubs

Mayor Chris Cooke warned the report could demotivate local volunteers.
Cleveland police recorded a 68% rise in race-hate crimes after the 2024 Southport murders, the increase in England and Wales.
An A66 crash in August killed five youths and two officers, prompting 27 arrests and further violence reports.
Cooke announced youth clubs will open in every Middlesbrough ward within a month to improve safety perceptions.

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De Souza Declares Emergency

England’s Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza declared a national emergency for children’s services.
The Childhood Lottery report named Middlesbrough, Hounslow and Bradford as the most challenging places to grow up.
One third of English children are not ready for school by age five, the report found.
De Souza recommended a national fund, minimum standards and a deputy mayor for children in every strategic authority.

1 / 2