Schools to have sex clinics to provide contraception for teenage mothers

Teenagers will be able to walk into on-site sexual health clinics to get the Pill, condoms and advice. Ministers want all of the country's 3,367 secondary schools to offer confidential health and social services by 2010, compared with one in four now.

The move is certain to outrage some parents and family groups who claim it will encourage promiscuity. The revised approach proposes more early intervention and targeting vulnerable young parents.

Children's minister Beverley Hughes said: "By addressing this issue now we can help prevent repeat pregnancies."

The strategy aims to cut by a half the number of under-18 conceptions by 2010.

Figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families showed that one fifth of teenage pregnancies involve young girls under 18 who are already teenage mothers.

The Government's new strategy includes a drive to improve teenage parents' access to contraception "to prevent repeat, unplanned pregnancies".

Young fathers can be left feeling ignored or unwelcome when they try to get help and this must change, the strategy said.

According to the Government, teenage parents and their children are much more likely to suffer health problems and drop out of school than their peers.

The children of teenage mothers are also more likely to become young parents themselves.

Children born to teenage mothers also have 60 per cent higher rates of infant mortality than mothers aged 20-39.

Ms Hughes continued: "Tailored services, honest, friendly professionals and long term support are all part of the solution.

"A group of young people who are isolated, often falter in education, have poor health and lack the confidence and skills to live independently, are going to struggle in today's world.

"As part of our drive to narrow inequalities, they are a key group who deserve our help, commitment and support."

The strategy promises more long-term health support for teenage parents, including advice on breastfeeding, nutrition and help to stop smoking.

And they will receive extra support to develop their social and emotional skills.

Health Minister Ann Keen said: "This revised strategy is a welcome resource for those who are providing much needed support for young parents.

"Research has shown that there can be severe health impacts on teenage parents and their children, including higher rates of premature births and more frequent admissions to A&E."