Westmorland and Furness Council has set out its ambitions for every child in a new strategy approved this week.
The 5-year Children and Young People’s plan was approved by cabinet and comes on the back of a successful Ofsted inspection result.
The council’s Children’s Services department was rated as “Good” by Ofsted following a routine inspection back in April.
The new strategy - and the strategic priorities and ambitions within it - are based on the views of children, young people, and their families.
According to the strategy, which is available on the council website, children and young people said they want to feel safe in their communities and in their homes, that they want to do well at school, receive more help to progress into training or work, receive support earlier for their health and wellbeing, and take part in activities or visiting places that are inexpensive.
Milorad Vasic, Director for Children’s Services at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Children and young people told us exactly what they need to get on in life and we must be ambitious for them. Our strategy gives us a clear direction to work towards and we can now work with children and young people to tackle the issues they are worried about most.
“We can’t do it all alone, but we’re committed to working with key partners in the public and third sectors to make Westmorland and Furness a happy, healthy place for children to live and thrive.
“The positive news from Ofsted that we’re rated “Good” overall gives us the foundations to build on and continue to deliver for our children and young people.”
Based on what children and young people told the council, the Ambition for Every Child plan sets out their key priorities over the next five years, and the actions needed to help them get there. The priorities are:
- Improving the life chances of children and young people
- Caring for and keeping children and young people safe
- Ensuring access to services and provision
- Working in partnership to manage our collective resources effectively
Cllr Sue Sanderson, Lead Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “On the back of our latest Ofsted result this strategy is very timely and sets out our long-term vision for the future.
“We are not resting on our laurels despite being rated as “Good” – our children and young people deserve an ambitious council who’ll give them the support they need to achieve their potential and be safe and happy.”