In this edition of the CYP Now Podcast:

• News roundup: a rundown of the top stories from across the children's services sector, including how scrapping funding for the Pathways programme will damage the development of children's social care leaders of the future.
• Events: at the launch of Anne Longfield's new book that highlights how drugs gangs are targeting younger children to exploit; and at an emotional reception to mark the publication of Free Loaves on Fridays which details care-experienced people's stories.
• From the May edition of CYP Now magazine: Spotlight on national and local initiatives to make childminding a more attractive career.
• Hero and villain of the month
• Special report debate: does AI pose a risk to children's services? Featuring Kevin Yong, head of consultancy at Coram; Andy Coulter, Teams technical specialist at Microsoft and Sean Manzi, senior data specialist at Dartington Services Design Lab.

Useful links:

• May edition of CYP Now: https://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/article/in-may-s-cyp-now-childminder-sos-digital-solutions-in-children-s-services-byc-closure
• SEND Summit: https://www.cypnow.co.uk/conferences

Podcast music is 'Passion' by AlexiAction via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-passion-127011/

Sound effect is 'Clock Ticking Sound with 360 Panning SFX' by hansonfeodor_official via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/clock-ticking-sound-with-360-panning-sfx-173484/