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TL;DR: Every child deserves the chance to thrive — but for many across the UK, life’s challenges make that harder. On Children in Need Day (14 November), Humly celebrates the incredible educators who make classrooms safer, kinder, and more supportive spaces. Here’s how you can make a difference today.
Every year, BBC Children in Need brings together millions across the UK to support children and young people affected by poverty, mental health struggles, neglect, and social inequality.
Around 4.3 million children are living in poverty in the UK (Department for Work and Pensions, 2024).
One in six children aged 5–16 are likely to have a mental health problem (NHS Digital, 2023).
At Humly, we believe that every child deserves a safe, supportive space to learn and grow — and that supply educators play a vital role in creating those moments of stability.
This piece is for you: a mix of understanding, reflection, and practical ideas you can use in your classroom today.
The children you meet may be facing challenges you can’t always see — from food insecurity to anxiety or difficult home lives. Recognising small signs can change how a child feels in your classroom.
Things to remember:
When you notice these moments, try reframing your instinctive question. Instead of asking “What’s wrong with this child?”, ask “What might this behaviour be telling me?”
For more insight, YoungMinds offers practical advice on recognising early signs of distress in children and young people (youngminds.org.uk).
These small, consistent actions can make a big impact — no matter how short your placement.
For further support on trauma-informed classroom strategies, NSPCC Learning provides resources for educators (nspcc.org.uk).
We’re celebrating the everyday heroes who make a difference in classrooms across the UK — you.
Here’s how you can take part:
This Children in Need Day, we’re celebrating the everyday heroes who make a difference in children’s lives — you.
Here’s how you can take part:
To help you bring the spirit of Children in Need Day into your classroom, we’ve created a free Humly Activity Pack for educators. It includes ready-to-use lesson plans for Nursery, Primary, and Secondary settings — each designed to spark conversations about kindness, empathy, and community.
Inside you’ll find:
Whether you have ten minutes or a full lesson, this resource helps every educator make Children in Need Day meaningful for their pupils — and remind them that small acts can make a big difference.
“Our mission has always been to empower educators. On Children in Need Day, we want to remind every educator that you’re part of that support network. The way you listen, encourage, and show up — it matters more than you think.”
Help raise awareness and celebrate the educators making a difference every day.
Donate to children in need here.
It’s an annual fundraising event organised by the BBC to support UK charities that help disadvantaged children and young people. Funds go towards improving mental health, tackling poverty, and supporting disabled children.
You can share stories, organise school fundraisers, or simply start conversations about empathy and inclusion in your classroom. Visit bbcchildreninneed.co.uk for resources and ideas.
Watch for changes in mood, concentration, attendance, or appetite. The NHS Every Mind Matters campaign lists helpful signs to look for.
Stay calm, listen, and thank them for sharing. Reassure them that they’re not in trouble and that support is available. If you’re concerned, always report it following your school’s safeguarding policy.
