In 2026 children’s health is in decline across nearly all major measures

Outcomes have worsened or stagnated across the UK, reversing years of progress, and the impact is felt most sharply in deprived areas and among ethnic minority communities. Explore our analysis and recommendations in 12 indicators of child health.

See our new State of Child Health report

Key findings from our Epilepsy12 audit

The latest report from our audit on paediatric epilepsy care has three key themes: inclusion of all children and young people with a new diagnosis; workforce and pathways for local populations; and impactful care planning.

Read Epilepsy12 report

Shaping our policy and public affairs work

Our new Paediatric Influencing Network is open to all members, at any career stage and location. You'll be invited to share your experiences and insights that strengthen our influencing to decision‑makers.

Join the Network

Understanding the assessment review

We are reviewing the assessment programme for doctors in postgraduate paediatric training in the UK, ensuring it aligns with the Progress+ curriculum and is fair, fit for purpose and sustainable.

See updates about this review

Leading the way in children's health

Our ten-year strategy has four goals to support paediatricians' working lives and advocate for a healthier future for children and young people in the UK and internationally.

Our latest annual impact review sets out what we've achieved - together with you, our members, partners and children and young people.

Our strategy

Our annual impact review

Latest news and blogs

See all news

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Blog

23 July 2026

How the National Child Mortality Database in England (NCMD) can make learning from every child death count – patient safety spotlight

This blog explores how insights from child death reviews, brought together by the NCMD, can help clinicians turn difficult experiences into learning that improves care and prevents future deaths.

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Announcement

23 July 2026

Our patron HRH Princess Royal shares a message on our 30th anniversary as a Royal College

The College is honoured to have received the warmest congratulations from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary and a significant milestone in our history.

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Tribute

22 July 2026

Remembering Dr Bruce Alexander Murison Smith

Fiona Walton pays tribute to her father, Dr Bruce Smith, a retired consultant paediatrician and clinical lecturer in Sheffield and long-time member of the College.

Podcast

15 July 2026

'Leading the way' episode 13: Leading change, with Dr Nadeem Moghal

Jonathan reflects on his conversation with Dr Nadeem Moghal, Director and Chief Medical and Innovation Officer at Strasys, which looks at the practical realities of leading in complex environments, particularly where transformation and service improvement are needed.

Blog

15 July 2026

Introducing State of Child Health 2026 - President's update

This week, we launched our State of Child Health 2026 report, bringing together the latest evidence across 12 indicators of child health and wellbeing. Steve shares context behind previous editions, details of our 2026 publication, including headline recommendations and what this report means for me...

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Press release

14 July 2026

The UK is raising one of the unhealthiest generations in decades, paediatricians warn

The UK now has some of the worst outcomes for children in Europe, with declining vaccination rates and rising asthma admissions and mental health disorders. Paediatricians warn that, without urgent action, the UK is on track to raise one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades.