Children and young people

The foundations of good health and wellbeing are laid at the start of life in pregnancy, childhood, and the teenage years. There are around 370,000 0-19 year olds living in Kent.

See also our pages on maternity, children in care, mental health, obesity, and oral health.

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Our resources

Data and reports

Preschool

A preschool healthcare needs assessment which identifies the health and wellbeing needs of children aged 0–4 in Kent and gaps in support and service provision. Health inequalities are found to be widening, preventative approaches and levels of support are inconsistent, and infant mental health is not prioritised.

Primary school

A primary school aged healthcare needs assessment, focusing on the wellbeing and educational needs of children aged 5-11 in Kent. Findings highlight concerns around emotional wellbeing, mental health, trauma, sleep and unmet learning milestones following the COVID-19 pandemic. Needs are also shown through school absence, increasing Disability Living Allowance entitlement, excess weight and differences in hospital use.

Secondary School

A secondary school aged healthcare needs assessment to identify the health, wellbeing and educational needs of children aged 11-18 in Kent. It draws out inequalities and informs priorities for prevention, support and service development. Needs are greatest among those impacted by poverty,  uncertain housing, or additional needs related to emotional health and wellbeing. Needs are also demonstrated by school absence, children missing education, and levels of A and E attendances.

Special educational needs and disabilities

A health needs assessment providing an overview of the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) in Kent, including hearing and vision impairment. Findings show variation by district and type of need, with the highest EHCP rates in Swale. SEN support rates are much higher among pupils from Traveller of Irish heritage and Gypsy Roma communities.

Other reports and analyses

Some of these reports have been superseded by newer versions.

We have produced baseline data for the Health Child Programme (PDF, 902.3 KB) covering children aged 0 to 4. Also, a teenage conceptions summary (PDF, 729.6 KB), estimates of the prevalence of cerebral palsy, and analysis of hospital admissions for self-harm (PDF, 1.2 MB) involving children and young people.

There are literature reviews for Parenting programmes, support for families with disabled children, Interventions for the prevention and mitigation of ACEs, and access to Special Educational Needs and Disability services for Nepalese families.

External resources

A number of organisations produce statistics relating to the health of children and young people, both at national and local level.