Start Well
What happens in pregnancy, childhood and adolescence impacts on physical and emotional health all the way through to adulthood. Where our children live, their household income and how they are cared for all impact the health and wellbeing of our children.
There are 20,300 children aged under 16 living in our borough. Of these, 6,540 are aged under five. 44% of children and young people are from a Black, Asian or other ethnic minority background. In contrast to the older population, the younger population is expected to decrease over the next 20 years.
In Kensington and Chelsea, nearly 1 in 4 children are living in poverty, and there are 122 looked-after-children. Over 1 in 3 children are overweight by the time they leave primary school, and over 1 in 5 are affected by mental health problems. Working with our communities to design preventative activities and promote healthier lifestyles is key to ensuring we give our children the best start in life.
"It’s good for us to socialise as communities, our kids have become too used to using their screens during lockdown, they are more isolated. We need more group and physical activities for kids."
Childhood vaccinations
Over 1 in 3 children have not received two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination.
For all types of childhood vaccinations, uptake is below the 95% target to stop the spread and protect the community.
For example, only 65% have received two doses of the MMR immunisation at or before the age of five. Uptake varies within the borough, ranging from 55% in Earl’s Court to 83% in South Kensington.
Find out more about vaccinations.
Dental health
1 in 4 five-year-olds have decayed teeth.
By the age of five, 1 in 4 five-year-olds have one or more decayed, filled or missing teeth (24%). It is a common cause of hospital admission, and children who have toothache may experience pain, have difficulties with eating, sleeping and socialising and may have to be absent from school. Over 2 in 5 children have seen a dentist in the past year. While most child dentist appointments in Kensington and Chelsea are only check-ups, over one in three include a mid-range treatment such as fillings, and 1 in 20 are urgent treatments.
Find out more about dental health.
Young people and mental health
1 in 5 children and young people have mental health needs.
In 2023, an NHS survey estimated that 21% of eight to 25-year-olds in England have a mental health need - equivalent to 6,900 people in Kensington and Chelsea.
While survey data of self-reported need has been static, service use has been on an upward trajectory. This would suggest that the proportion of children with mental health needs that are getting support is increasing.
Find out about support for children and young people’s mental health.
Childhood obesity
Over 1 in 3 children are overweight by age 11.
23% of children are overweight or obese when they enter primary school. This rises to 34% of children aged 10 and 11 leaving primary school. This varies by ward; for example those living in Golborne are three times more likely to be overweight than those living in Campden. Children whose parents are obese are more likely to be obese themselves. This highlights the complexity of supporting families to maintain or reach a healthy weight. Being an unhealthy weight is more likely in children who identify themselves as being from Black ethnic groups at age 10-11. No significant differences are observed in Reception Year (four to five year olds).
Find out about our Change4Life programme which helps families stay active and healthy.
Education
Education creates opportunities for better health.
We have some of the highest levels of outstanding schools in London, although almost a quarter of our children live in poverty, and 4,500 children are eligible for free school meals. Education can trigger healthier futures and protect against disadvantages in later life. 68% of children had a good level of development at the end of reception year, and 59% of children achieved nine to five in GCSE English and Mathematics (75% achieving nice-four). The average attainment eight score was 53.5. The average GCSE level of attainment is the lowest in the most deprived areas. Just over 4% of children have an education, health and care plan and 13.8% of children receive special educational needs support.
