Leading the way in children's health

We are the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, a registered charity and the membership body for paediatricians in the UK and around the world. Founded in 1996 and now with about 24,000 members in the UK and internationally, we play a major role in postgraduate medical education, professional standards, research and policy.

Campaigning for equal protection

Children in England and Northern Ireland are the only people in the UK not fully protected in law from assault. We're continue to campaign to remove the 'reasonable punishment' defence from law.

Campaign for equal protection

Our involvement in COVID-19 Inquiry

This public inquiry in the UK is crucial to improve the preparedness and management of future crises, including the impacts on child health services and children and young people.

Inquiry and our involvement

Latest report from our neonatal audit

Our National Neonatal Audit Programme assesses whether babies admitted to neonatal units receive consistently high quality care. We present findings from data collected in 2024 and recommendations.

NNAP summary report

College strategy and impact

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

Press release

3 November 2025

FPH, RCPCH and BACAPH – joint statement on re-introduction of the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill

The UK Faculty of Public Health (FPH), the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), and the British Association for Child and Adolescent Public Health (BACAPH) strongly support the re-introduction of the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill.

President's update

3 November 2025

Training, vaccines and the future of paediatrics - President's update

As we move into the final months of 2025, it’s a period of both reflection and momentum across the child health community. From major developments in medical training reform to important updates in the UK vaccination schedule, there’s a great deal shaping how we continue to deliver the best care for...

Blog

30 October 2025

Member update to NHSE Medical Training Review – Phase 1 diagnostic report

NHS England has published phase 1 of its review of Medical Training in England, led by Chris Whitty and Steve Powis.

Media response

28 October 2025

RCPCH responds to the introduction of Awaab’s Law

Awaab’s Law, introduced on 27 October 2025, will be a step change for children as the new law seeks to improve housing conditions and tenant safety in social housing.

Photo of Dr Lizzy Nickerson next to RCPCH logos of a hospital, a child, a bar chart and a woman and child.

Blog

27 October 2025

A spotlight on the child health workforce in Wales

We are running a series of interviews with members and partners to shine a spotlight on the major themes from RCPCH Wales's 2026 Senedd manifesto and to highlight the experiences of child health professionals across Wales.

Media response

20 October 2025

RCPCH responds to The Lullaby Trust's newest data

The Lullaby Trust have published new polling data showing that nearly one in three parents of babies delay contacting doctors due to fears of wasting NHS time.