Labour Faces Backlash Over Proposal to Offer 30 Hours Free Childcare to All Benefit Claimants Thursday, July 9, 2026 childcare benefits labour welfare education poverty policy government families economy Labour is facing criticism over its bold plan to provide 30 hours of free childcare each week to all families receiving benefits. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called for extending government-funded childcare … Read More
West Midlands Baby Banks Support 8,000 Families Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis Saturday, July 4, 2026 babybanks westmidlands costofliving poverty families children birmingham charity childcare essentials The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has left thousands of families in the West Midlands relying on baby banks to meet their children’s basic needs. Over the past year, 8,000 families and 12,000 children were assisted by … Read More
Olton Children’s Home Planning Application Refused Over Unlawful Use Saturday, July 4, 2026 planning children olton solihull childcare council permission unlawful housing development Solihull Council planners have refused an application to convert a seven-bedroom family house on Grange Road, Olton, into a children’s home, ruling the change of use unlawful without full planning permission. The applicant, … Read More
Solihull Children’s Home Proposal Denied Initial Approval Thursday, July 2, 2026 planning solihull childcare millsonswood housing permission development ofsted law application A proposal to convert a residential house in Millsons Wood, Solihull, into a children’s care home has been rejected at the first stage due to planning permission issues. Jason Hewitt, the applicant, sought a certificate of … Read More
Elmdon Children’s Care Home Approved Despite Councillors’ Calls for Delay Saturday, June 27, 2026 elmdon solihull childcare planning council councillors carehome parksafety community approval A proposed children’s care home in Elmdon received planning approval despite councillors’ appeals to postpone the decision for further scrutiny. At Solihull Council’s planning committee meeting, the application to convert a … Read More
Birmingham Launches Hundreds of Free School Holiday Clubs with Bookings Opening Soon Saturday, June 27, 2026 birmingham holidayclubs freemeals childcare streetgames haf youthactivities community wellbeing education Birmingham’s popular school holiday programme is returning in 2026, offering hundreds of free holiday clubs for local children. These clubs provide a wide range of activities including indoor and outdoor games, cookery … Read More