Nursery World - UK declared nation of deprived children

British children are among the most deprived in Europe, a survey has found. Research carried out at the University of York ranked the general well-being of children in Britain as 21st on an index comparing the experiences of children in 25 EU countries.

Research carried out at the University of York ranked the general well-being of children in Britain as 21st on an index comparing the experiences of children in 25 EU countries.

The survey reveals that children in Britain have the worst family relationships in Europe. They are among the least likely to eat meals together or talk to their parents regularly. Children in Italy were rated as having the best relationship with their parents.

British children are also most likely to come from step families and single parent families, the report found. It said, 'There is substantial evidence that children in single parent as well as step families tend to have worse outcomes than peers living with both biological parents.'

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