Contents

Children and young people

New Families First digital platform

In June, the London Borough of Bexley launched its Families First digital platform, an online resource for information, advice and support for families and professionals.

This digital hub offers support for every stage of your child’s development, from pregnancy to age 19 (up to 25 for those with SEND).

Tailored advice, support and guidance on caring for your baby, toddler and child are easily accessible through this new website, which helps bring together our services to deliver a comprehensive tool to help Bexley’s residents.

The Families First programme was introduced as part of the reforms set out in the Government’s Children’s Social Care Strategy.

It is a national programme led by the Department for Education to help children and families receive support earlier and in a more joined-up way, bringing together local services and safeguarding partners to provide the right help at the right time.

Find out more about Families First

 

New vision for Children’s Services

Children’s Services has developed a new vision statement that reflects the voices and lived experience of those who work within and use Bexley’s services.

This was approved at the Public Cabinet meeting on 1 July.

Practitioners, participation groups and partners all contributed in shaping this mission statement, which will guide how the service operates.

Together with our partners, we will build strong relationships with children and families to empower them to grow, enrich their education and wellbeing to be the best they can be.

Councillor Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: 

In Bexley, we are dedicated to giving every child the best possible start in life and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

This new vision seeks to build on our strengths and reflects our commitment to working closely with parents, carers and partners, ensuring that children remain at the heart of everything we do."

Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Education, said:

Our vision is simple: we aim to deliver the best possible outcomes for the Borough’s children and families.

It will strengthen our partnership work and ensure the Borough’s children are given every possibility to reach their full potential."

The Children’s University celebrates record graduates

The London South East Children’s University saw 1,295 local children graduate from 20 different schools across Bexley this year.

The Children’s University has seen 3,986 children graduate in Bexley since it began in 2018, racking up more than 160,000 hours of extra-curricular learning.

Children can graduate at different levels, from a Bronze Award at 30 hours, all the way up to 1,000 hours with a Gold Fellowship and many graduate each year as they continue to take part in activities which earn them stamps across the years.

Photo of the graduates from the Children's University

Bexley launches Best Start in Life programme

Photo of Bexley's Education and Early Years team

In June, a new chapter for children and families in Bexley began as the Borough launched its Best Start in Life programme at a partnership conference in the Civic Offices.

This brought together around 130 professionals from across education, health, early years, family services and the voluntary sector, marking an important milestone in Bexley’s ambition to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life through stronger partnership working and earlier support for families.

Photo of the launch of the Best Start in Life programme

The conference saw Bexley’s Education and Early Years teams outline the Borough’s developing approach to early help and integrated family support, while also providing an opportunity to hear insights and learning from other authorities on developing early years provision.

Councillor Caroline Newton, said:

This launch marks an important step forward for children and families in Bexley. By bringing partners together around a shared vision, we are strengthening our commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and that families can access the right support at the right time."

Bexley’s SEND support

Families, carers and professionals are invited to the Bexley SEND Marketplace on Monday 5 October 2026 at Danson Youth Centre, Bexleyheath.

The event showcases the wide range of support available from Bexley Council, health services and local voluntary organisations for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Visitors can meet providers offering advice on education, health and wellbeing, social care, family support, leisure activities, early years and preparing for adulthood. Professionals are welcome from 10am to 11am, with the event open to everyone from 11am to 2pm. Free parking is available at Crook Log Sports Centre.

Find out more about Bexley Local Offer

Bexley submits ambitious SEND reform plan

Bexley has successfully submitted its SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education (DfE), meeting the Government’s requirement for all local authorities to set out how they will improve support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Developed with schools, health partners, parents, carers, children and young people, the plan sets out Bexley’s vision for improving outcomes over the next three years. It includes the new Experts at Hand offer, designed to strengthen support in mainstream education and ensure children receive the right help at the earliest opportunity.

Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Education, said:

Gathering the views of parents, carers, children, young people and our partners was vital in shaping this plan. We remain committed to delivering the best outcomes for children and young people with SEND in Bexley and will continue to work together as the reforms are introduced."

The plan will be published once approved by the DfE.

Team Bexley’s LYG celebrations

There was plenty to celebrate for Team Bexley at this year’s London Youth Games, with more than 200 young athletes helping the Borough achieve an impressive 13th place overall and bringing home six team medals.

The fantastic results are a reflection of the talent, determination and commitment of Bexley’s young athletes, supported every step of the way by dedicated coaches, team managers, parents and volunteers. Congratulations to everyone involved in another outstanding year for Team Bexley.

Mr Justin Moore, Mayor’s Consort, Councillor Lisa-Jane Moore, The Mayor and Councillor Rags Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture and Leisure with LYG33 and Sports Development Officer, Phil Lewis.

Team Bexley’s medal winners:

  • Gold - Badminton
  • Silver - Boys’ Swimming
  • Bronze - Tennis
  • Bronze - Boys’ Judo
  • Bronze - Girls’ Under-13 Cricket
  • Bronze - Boccia
Image of the winners of the London Youth Games
Image of the winners of the London Youth Games
Image of the winners of the London Youth Games
Image of the winners of the London Youth Games
Image of the winners of the London Youth Games tennis final
Image of the winners of the London Youth Games Judo competition

Squishy toys safety

Squishy toys are everywhere, but are they safe? They are colourful, fun to squeeze and popping up everywhere, but not every Squishy toy is safe.

Bexley Trading Standards has seized more than 450 unsafe Squishies in recent weeks, warning parents and shoppers to take care when buying these increasingly popular toys.

Photo of a person holding a squishy toy

Before buying, check for a UKCA or CE mark, manufacturer or importer details, a traceability code, safety warnings and appropriate age restrictions. A strong chemical smell, missing information or a damaged or leaking toy should also raise concerns.

There is also a dangerous online trend encouraging children to microwave Squishies to make them softer. Never microwave a Squishy. Heating the gel inside can cause the toy to burst, spraying extremely hot contents and potentially causing serious burns.

Talk to children about not copying dangerous hacks or challenges they see online and always make sure Squishies are used as intended.