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A new nationwide survey of 1,000 parents found that one in four children often feels excluded at school. While 72% of parents say their child finds it easy to make friends outside school, 13% say their child struggles to do so.

At school, parents cite shyness and low confidence (36%) as the biggest barriers to friendship, followed by behavioural or emotional difficulties (24%) and a lack of opportunities to play and socialise (21%). Outside the classroom, obstacles are practical: limited access to clubs (31%), busy family schedules (30%), and costs or travel (17%) – all of which can leave children and their parents feeling isolated.

Jo Hemmings, Behavioural Psychologist, said: “Friendships are the cornerstone of childhood – they shape confidence, resilience, and emotional we

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