Hi Philly,
Sorry to hear your little one has just been diagnosed :-( The good news is that it's probably a good time to be diagnosed just in that there are so many more options for treatment than ever before and it's getting better all the time. In just a few years there'll be new inventions for sure!
The Omnipod is an insulin pump like any other, except that rather than being a separate pump that's attached to you by a tube(I.e. the pump with the insulin goes in your pocket and a tube attatched to/under skin carries the insulin to you), with the Omnipod, you just attach a small 'pod' filled with the insulin straight onto your skin under your clothes whereby a tiny cannula, that you can't feel, into your skin. In other words, no tubing. This is controlled by a handset (looks like a mobile phone) which you can use remotely via Bluetooth to programme the insulin delivery.
I've been using it since last September, initially on a trial, and then self-funded because my health trust doesn't fund it. However, I'm moving to an area that does fund it soon and can't wait! Like any pump, there are pros and cons: It's amazing, particularly for self-confidence and psychologically having a sense of 'normality'. You literally press a button for some insulin anywhere! The pods are disposable and each one lasts 3 days and then you have to change it for a new one. So after the upfront costs, you pay for each box of 10 pods. This lasts between 3 to 4 weeks.
You can also have baths and showers and go swimming with it, unlike other pumps. I guess for children it might be good because you can programme it remotely as a parent when necessary and keep the controller out of reach when necessary, although you may want your 8 year old to be in control at all times?? It's very discreet too so as a young person they shouldn't feel so self conscious.
I've had issues with quite a few pod occlusions (blockages) which is annoying, but the customer services of Ypsomed are going to replace them apparently, but other than that, it's been great. My control has been so much better.
It's expensive if self-funding and there are some improvements that need to be made to the pods (although the new version that's just come out may be better), but I think it's great and offers more flexibility and normality. Personally, I couldn't go back to pens or a tubed pump, but not everyone shares that opinion.
Hope that helps and good luck!