News

Rising inequality mars children's lives

Inequality and disadvantage continue to blight the lives of millions of children born in the UK, more than 40 years on from the publication of a landmark report into the experiences of children from poor backgrounds.

Greater Expectations by the National Children’s Bureau finds that the number of children living in poverty today has risen by 1.5 million since the NCB carried out its study Born to fail?, in 1969.

The new report says that ‘unequal childhoods’ are now a permanent feature of British life.

It concludes that, ‘Today, although there have been some improvements, overall the situation appears to be no better, and in some respects has got worse.’

NCB is calling for the setting up of a Government board with ministers tasked to develop and implement a strategy to reduce inequality and disadvantage. It also recommends that the Office for Budget Responsibility should assess and report on the impact that each Budget has on child poverty and inequality.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here