4Children is the national children’s charity – for children and young people, 0-19. 4Children works with Government, local authorities, primary care trusts, children’s service providers, and children and parents to ensure joined up support for all children and young people in their local community.

From children’s centres to extended schools, childcare to play provision, parenting support to support for young people – 4Children is at the forefront of delivery and supporting innovative children’s services, ensuring that all children and families get the support they need in their community. 

At 4Children we:

• Provide the latest information and guidance about childcare in extended schools
• Develop and shape national policy to ensure all children and families can fulfil their potential
• Offer information about tax free Childcare Vouchers that can save parents up to £1,195 per year
• Develop innovative programmes to tackle issues such as social exclusion and crime
• Improve the quality and sustainability of children’s services through training and support
• Represent the voice of children at every level

Current news:

Early Years Foundation Stage reviews – read 4Children’s response

Young people in education, work or training – read 4Children’s response

WHO Report, Health Behaviour in School-aged Children – read 4Children’s response 

Announcement on childcare registration fees – read 4Children’s response

Youth Alcohol Action Plan released by Ed Balls, Jacqui Smith and Alan Johnson -  read 4Children’s response

4Children response to Tax credits: Improving Delivery and Choice

Read more about:

4Children response to the Back on Track: A strategy for modernising alternative provision for young people White Paper

myplace - the new Big Lottery Programme to establish next generation integrated centres for young people - is now open for applications. In 2007, a key recommendation of the Make Space Youth was that the programme provides funding to develop new aspirational integrated centres for young people. Read more...

Flexible working for parents – 4Children statement