http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7861203.stm

Measuring levels of a hormone midway through pregnancy may predict a woman's risk of postnatal depression, say US researchers. In a study of 100 women, levels of the pCRH hormone at 25 weeks helped predict three-quarters of those who developed the "baby blues". The researchers said, if proven in larger studies, the test could be used routinely to screen for depression.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/4436918/Sats-to-be-marked-on-line-following-delays.html

The Government said it was considering introducing the technology next year, despite doubts over accuracy. Ministers insisted that a trial of the system led to almost all papers being marked on time. The recommendation forms part of a response to a damning official inquiry into last summer's Sats fiasco. But officials admitted contingency plans could not be introduced in time for this year's tests - raising the possibility of further disruption for schoolchildren.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/4434584/Exam-results-inaccurate-way-to-identify-bright-pupils.html

Elise Lewis, director of the Young Gifted and Talented scheme, said it was "inaccurate" to assess its success on test scores alone. She insisted schools should take a more "holistic" view of pupils instead of merely encouraging them in the exams hall. The comments were condemned as making an excuse for failure.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/children_shealth/4447045/Suns-rays-make-summer-babies-taller-and-stronger-study-claims.html

Those born in the late summer and early autumn are around half a centimetre taller and have wider bones than their peers born in winter and spring, an 18 year project found. Expectant mothers lucky enough to be blooming in the hot months should get enough sun to boost their
vitamin D levels just by walking around outside or even sunbathing. But winter parents should consider taking vitamin supplements, researchers at Bristol University recommended. Anyone thinking of trying to short-cut the process by sitting on a sun bed for the final weeks of their pregnancy would be doing themselves no good.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/feb/02/boarding-schools-care

Local councils should consider sending children at risk of being taken into care to boarding school, a government review recommends. A two- year pilot scheme found that where children who faced family breakdown were carefully matched to a suitable school, boarding offered a range of advantages.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/closing-schools-sends-out-wrong-message-1543867.html

Closing schools because of snow is teaching children a bad lesson, a parents' group warned today. Margaret Morrissey, of the Parents Outloud campaign group, said it sent out the message that if life gets difficult you should simply stay at home. She called for an "emergency plan" to be introduced to allow more schools to stay open in the event of bad weather. Her comments come as thousands of schools across the country announced that they would be closing their doors for the
second day running.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/4447058/Children-throwing-snowballs-in-public-could-be-arrested-or-fined.html

Police have vowed to crack down on youngsters caught "acting irresponsibly' following the worst snowfall to hit the UK in 18 years. Those found throwing snowballs in such a way have been warned they face arrest, a fine, or both. The new measures have been introduced in Hertfordshire after a small number of youths damaged motorists' cars.

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