Christine Farquharson

How will changes announced at Budget 2025 affect SEND spending in future? How can the government deal with historic deficits accumulated by councils?

From tax rises to new spending pressures, we break down the major decisions in a packed Autumn Budget and what they mean for the UK.

IFS researchers provide a response to the new economic forecast and major policy announcements contained in the 2025 Budget.

We explore the two-child limit, what it does, how it affects families, and whether Labour should scrap or reform it in the upcoming Budget.

At this online event we will offer an opportunity to meet current IFS staff, and ask questions about life at IFS and our recruitment process.

An assessment of the government’s plan to guarantee work placements for long-term unemployed young people.

A workshop based on the Kantar houshold scanner dataset, used in nutrition, consumer demand and beyond. 

We answer your questions on childcare, schools, apprenticeships and family life in this special Q+A with IFS experts and guests.

We explore family life in the UK, rising child poverty, pressures on social care, and the government’s Opportunity Mission to support every child.

We discuss post-16 education in England, the divide between higher and further education, and the government’s Opportunity Mission.

From attainment to absences, SEND to well-being, we assess the state of England’s schools and the Opportunity Mission’s promise to level the field.

We explore the evidence on early years policy and assess the government's Opportunity Mission, which aims to give every child the 'Best Start in Life'

The government has set itself a target to have 75% of five-year-olds reaching a good level of development by 2028.

What was Sure Start, what impact did it have, and why does it still matter? We speak to Christine Farquharson and Ed Balls to find out.

New childcare entitlements have proven popular – meaning spending from 2026 onwards could be £1 billion higher than originally forecast.

Expanded access to free school meals will benefit 1.7 million children in the long run, but existing transitional protections limit effects next year.

An evaluation of Sure Start’s impacts on education, health, absences, special educational needs, crime and social care, plus a cost–benefit analysis.

Associate Director Christine Farquharson presented on the importance on evaluation at the Children & Young People Now's conference.

Christine Farquharson's presentation at the Nursery World Business Summit 2025, at America Square Conference Centre, London.