The Open University

The Open University launches new toolkit to support parents of neurodivergent children as research reveals families feel overwhelmed and under-resourced

9 February 2026

With neurodiversity diagnoses rising across the UK, new research from The Open University (OU) reveals that many parents of neurodivergent children are struggling to find clear, trustworthy and practical guidance, despite actively searching for support. The survey of 1,000 UK parents of neurodivergent children found that while 70% say they have a trusted place to […]

OU celebrates Dyslexia Awareness Week

8 October 2025

To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week 2025, the OU has launched a collection of online resources to help people better understand the learning difference. Dyslexia is a neurodivergent condition affecting over 10% of the population. It is often linked to reading and writing challenges, but also gives rise to strengths like creativity and problem-solving. Drawing on […]

The Open University produces an award-winning film that challenges perceptions of youth violence

5 February 2025

The Open University has developed an award-winning film and a thought-provoking interactive quiz that challenges perceptions about knife crime and youth violence. Available on OpenLearn, which is the OU’s free learning platform, ‘Exploring Youth Violence: What would you do?’ aims to provide a better understanding of the complex lives and situations of young people who […]

More support is needed for families affected by parental imprisonment, according to a new study from The Open University and YSS.

18 July 2023

Families with children across the UK are missing out on vital support to help them cope with the impact caused by having a parent in prison, according to research from The Open University’s Children’s Research Centre and YSS. The two-year study funded by Worcestershire County Council, surveyed 68 families across the UK, to better understand […]

Children and teenagers can carry out valuable wildlife research – here’s how

7 March 2023

Dr Maria Aristeidou is a lecturer at The Open University in technology enhanced learning – here she talks about the part children and teenagers can play in wildlife research through citizen science projects. The environment is in crisis. Young people are calling for environmental action and requesting more education about the environment and the climate […]

Actress, Angelina Jolie holding a copy of the book, Know Your Rights and Claim Them

Amnesty International book supported by OU research publishes today

2 September 2021

A book by Amnesty International, Angelina Jolie and Professor Geraldine Van Bueren about children’s rights is published today. Original conception of Know Your Rights and Claim Them was shaped by The Open University’s Children’s Research Centre’s (OUCRC) report, which explored the representation of children’s rights from discussion through to illustration and interpretation. After nearly two […]

OU partners with YSS to research the impact on children when a parent is in prison

2 June 2021

The Open University’s (OU) Children’s Research Centre has partnered with charity, YSS to conduct a two-year study into the impact on children, young people and their families when a parent or carer is in prison. The Families First project, which is funded by Worcestershire County Council, aims to improve services that support families affected by […]

Teach your child through creative play

18 June 2020

Although select year groups have returned to nursery and school, there are still a large proportion of parents continuing to educate their children from home. Open University (OU) academics from the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport (ECYS) have joined forces to provide their tips on creative play – a form of learning that […]

Advice on supporting your child during self-isolation

25 March 2020

John Oates, Professor of Developmental Psychology at The Open University, writes about how to cope with children being at home during this period of self-isolation, with advice and helpful suggestions on supporting them through this difficult and confusing time. It probably came as a shock hearing that schools will be closing, on top of all […]

Linda’s story: A non-traditional route to academia

22 November 2019

Linda, 62, is a PhD researcher at the OU. Following a successful career working with young people and sport, she’s turned to research. “I’ve not approached academia in a traditional way. I’m 62, so I’m ancient! I was secure within my professional world and don’t have the same confidence as an academic as I had […]

OU News

Category: Childhood