Child friendly plan helping make Leeds the best city for children and young people

Children from Shakespeare Primary School helped senior figures from Leeds City Council and the Children and Families Trust Board launch a refreshed Children and Young People’s Plan, setting out how the council and partners will continue to put children and young people at the heart of the city’s growth strategy and realise its ambition to make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in.

Since 2011, the Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan has supported and guided a strong partnership approach in Leeds, which is focused on improving outcomes for children and young people in the city. The plan has recently been refreshed to ensure that it continues to take account of local priorities, including those of young people.

Tackling the impact of child poverty is at the centre of the refreshed CYPP in recognition of the effect that poverty can have on families and on outcomes for children and young people. In addition, the longstanding third ‘obsession’ – improve school attendance – has been expanded to improve attendance, achievement, and attainment – the 3As.

The new plan continues to put the voices of children and young people at its heart and includes a new priority of improving access to affordable, safe and reliable public transport after children and young people emphasised this as one of their priorities.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, executive member for children and families said:

“Our ambition remains to make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in. We are determined to support all our city’s children to fulfil their potential.

“We have been successful in developing a culture in Leeds where children’s views and voices help to shape and influence our priorities, but there is still much more to do. Tackling the impact of child poverty and ensuring all children get the opportunity to benefit from the city’s strong economy and opportunities is at the heart of the refreshed Plan.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, executive member for learning, skills and employment said:

“We have been ‘obsessing’ about children’s outcomes for many years, and lots of progress has been made since the first plan was launched in 2011. However, there is still more for us to do, which is why we have expanded our third obsession - attendance –to improve not just attendance but achievement, and attainment too, or the ‘3As’.

“We want Leeds to be a city where every child is given the help they need to reach their full potential, regardless of their background and that is what we will continue to work towards.”

ENDS

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Vanessa Lancaster

Tel: 01133 783690

E-mail: Vanessa.lancaster@leeds.gov.uk