New initiative helps schools support vulnerable children

9 September, 2025: London, UK

A new initiative to help schools support children in separating families will be launched today at the Houses of Parliament by the Parents Promise – a campaign group, of which the Two Wishes Foundation is a founding partner, working to change the culture of family separation in the UK.

In a survey of over 7000 teachers released today as part of this initiative, teachers have reported significant disruption to the learning, attendance and mental health of children experiencing the separation of their parents. According to the new survey, 94% of teachers have seen separation affect the mental health of children, while 58% have observed schools becoming a source of, or location for, conflict between separated parents.

Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division of the High Court, welcomed the initiative: “Parental separation doesn’t have to mean poor outcomes for children, but the way separation is handled matters. If we had a blank sheet of paper and were designing a package of support for a child whose parents are separating, that child’s school would of course play a fundamental role in that plan. By providing guidance and resources for teachers and parents alike, the Parents Promise will make a real, practical difference.”

Additional resources for schools, parents and teachers can be downloaded here.