The State of the Nation report brings together data on poverty, mental health, education, safeguarding, housing, SEND, youth justice and employment in England, providing a snapshot of childhood vulnerability and support needs. While many challenges pre-date the current government, the report warns that several key indicators have worsened over the past two years, while others remain persistently high despite slight improvements. The report reveals:

• More children are growing up in poverty and housing insecurity. An estimated 3.5 million children in England, around eight or nine in every classroom, are living in relative poverty, while 2 million children across the UK are experiencing deep material poverty and unable to afford essentials.
• These challenges are contributing to rising school absence, poor mental health, obesity, and concerns about harm and exploitation.
• More than 1.27 million referrals were made to children’s mental health services in 2024/25, continuing a sharp upward trend.
• The number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans has increased by more than 20% in the last two years, reflecting growing demand for specialist support.
• Services supporting vulnerable children remain under significant pressure, with demand exceeding capacity across many areas.

The report calls on the government to move from a fragmented ‘crisis state’ to an ‘investment state’, providing early, joined-up support to help children, young people and families thrive and prevent disadvantage from leading to poorer outcomes