London's child poverty exposed

A state of the nation report on life for London's 1.65 million children published tomorrow reveals "a capital divided" with huge variations in wealth, health and opportunity.

The independent study highlights pockets of deprivation in the wealthiest boroughs and warns that the Government is failing children by ignoring the impact many policies have on their lives.

The fascinating view of life for children in the capital shows the make-up of London's under 18s is dramatically different from the rest of the UK, with one in three from ethnic minorities, and a greater share of under-fives.

And it warns that until child poverty is tackled, inequalities in education, health and housing will remain.

Backed by the major children's charities and funded by the National Lottery, the report comes from the Office of Children's Rights Commissioner for London, which is drawing up Mayor Ken Livingstone's children's strategy for London. Director Caroline Boswell said: "It's a tale of two cities. We are one of the most fabulous cities in the world and the perception is of a bustling metropolis where people enjoy lives of privilege, but it's quite clear that doesn't apply to a lot of children living here.

"A lot of the statistics are shocking and show us how we are letting London children down, but the fact that the report has been written and will be taken so seriously is really optimistic and indicative of the kind of changes we are beginning to see."

Poverty and health

Child poverty is higher in London than the rest of England and childhood illness is more acute, the report says.

? Forty-three per cent live in homes earning below half national income; 34 per cent across England.

? More than a quarter of children get free school meals - Tower Hamlets has 67 per cent.

? Asylum-seekers, children of travellers and the homeless - not even in official poverty figures - are over-represented in London.

? Infant mortality similar to comparable European cities but London has more low birthweight babies. Inner London rate of 6.7 deaths under age of one per 1,000 births compares with 5.5 for outer London and 5.7 for England.

? Rate of long-term childhood illness higher in inner London than Britain.

? At least 100,000 London five to 15-year-olds may have mental health problems.

? Teenage pregnancies top 82 per 1,000 girls in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, compared with London average of 51, and 45 nationally.

Education

Clear winners and losers in London's 2,300 state schools.

? In inner London, 36.3 per cent of 15-year-olds get at least five good GCSEs. Outer London beats the national average with 49.8 per cent.

? Around 11 per cent of parents pay for children's education, compared to seven per cent nationally.

? Inner London schools exclude pupils at a rate nearly twice the national average.

? Most at risk are pupils from ethnic minorities - four in 10 pupils - and those with special educational needs (SEN), nearly one in four.

? SEN pupils range from 10.9 per cent in Sutton to 33.8 per cent in Islington. Greater London has 24.2 per cent, compared with 21.6 per cent nationally.

? London children list racism and bullying as key concerns.

Leisure

London is expensive and perceived as dangerous. Both factors constrain children's leisure.

? The capital is rich in cultural and leisure opportunities but poor public transport restricts access.

? Young Londoners are put off buses, Tube and trains by fear of crime and assault.

? Parental fears restrict children. They are less likely to be allowed to play outside, walk to a friend's house or ride a bike in the street than children elsewhere.

? More of children's leisure is "school by other means", with the expansion of government-backed "study support".

? With opportunities determined by family income, public spending on youth services varies widely; less than £50 per head in Enfield, more than £250 in Kensington and Chelsea.

Crime

Crime between young people is rising, fuelled by mobile phone theft - up 31 per cent this year - but youngsters are more likely to be victims than criminals.

? Ten to 13-year-olds are marginally less likely to commit crimes than children outside the capital, but 14 to 17-year-olds are marginally more likely to offend.

? London youngsters commit more drugs and robbery offences but less arson or criminal damage than elsewhere.

? Latest figures show 433 London juveniles behind bars.

? Government policies criticised include curfews for children. Study says prison does more harm than good and concludes "young people who have little to do, who feel excluded and marginalised, are more likely to get involved in crime".