First News

First News, British children's press for readers aged 7 to 14

First News is a British media outlet specialising in news for children. Its main publication is a weekly newspaper aimed at readers aged between 7 and 14, distributed in print and through its own app. The company presents itself as a news provider for children in the United Kingdom and claims to reach millions of young readers every week, both at home and at school.

The editorial approach is based on news adapted to the age of its readers, covering current national and international topics, as well as entertainment, games, animals, sport and puzzles. The company states that its goal is to foster curiosity, develop media and information literacy skills, and help children navigate today's world with critical thinking.

Content and editorial offering

The publication combines current news with fun sections. Among the content the company describes are world and UK news, entertainment, games, animals, sport and puzzles. The website also offers free downloadable resources and a weekly news quiz, available at no extra cost to subscribers.

The company has developed specific materials to address complex topics with children. These include a guide on how to explain alarming news, such as armed conflicts, and a series of tips for spotting fake news. It also publishes online safety recommendations for parents, produced in collaboration with National Online Safety.

Resources for families

The home-focused side of First News is aimed at children aged 7 to 14 and offers impartial, age-appropriate news, with the stated goal of sparking conversations at home and encouraging a reading habit. The subscription includes access to the app and email content, such as daily news, word games and conversation starters.

The company has established a partnership with Monzo to create a series of resources designed to help children develop healthy financial habits. These materials are offered as free downloads.

Programme for schools

For the school environment, First News offers a package called TeachKit: Media & Information Literacy, which includes frameworks, schemes of work and ready-to-use teaching materials. It is aimed at Key Stage 2 and 3 of the British education system and is presented as a tool to save teachers time.

The programme includes the weekly newspaper, a digital platform and curriculum-linked resources. According to the company, these materials support the subjects of English, Citizenship, PSHE and cross-curricular learning, and aim to help students develop skills to evaluate information, debate ideas and become active, informed citizens. The company offers a free trial of this kit.

History and recognition

First News is celebrating its twentieth anniversary, which places its founding twenty years before the date of this record. The company presents itself as award-winning and states that its publications are supported by parents and schools. The website includes a testimonial from Dennis Hopkins, a primary school head teacher, who says that if he had an unlimited budget, he would buy the newspaper for every child in the country.

The publishing company is First Group Enterprises Ltd. The website includes specific sections for families, schools and children, as well as contact pages, FAQs and a privacy policy.