We need to close the gap between those children who succeed in life and those who fall behind

Cathy Jamieson, Education Minister

It revealed that 9,000 children run away from home for at least one night every year.

And nearly 20% of children attending the Sick Children's Hospital in Glasgow have shown signs of malnutrition.

Six babies are born every hour in Scotland, children under 16 make up a fifth of the population and there are children in one in every four households.

Factfile was published for the first time last year and distributed to MSPs, councillors, education and social work directors, and a range of other interested people and agencies.

Many children in Scotland live in deprived areas

Joe Connolly, the acting director of NCH Scotland, said: "The challenge now is to build a better future for Scotland's children, especially those born into poverty and disadvantage."

"It is these children who, as our report shows, are the most likely to experience difficulties throughout their lives.

"Factfile is our contribution to helping make sure that decision-making about children is informed and effective."

Close the gap

The report was welcomed by Education Minister Cathy Jamieson who said it would help organisations which worked with children make decisions to improve services.

"The executive knows a lot needs to be done," she said.

"We need to close the gap between those children who succeed in life and those who fall behind."

The Scottish Executive has helped to fund the new report.