This service area operates across all four of the Eco Island themes, but is particularly concerned with Inspiring Island. It will ensure that the Island’s children and young people will have support and encouragement to explore and develop their potential. The service will work to expand their horizons so they are inspired by high quality learning and leisure opportunities in a positive community environment.
This will be achieved through working together with partner agencies (health, police and third sector) to secure an integrated service for all children and their families which will keep children safe, encourage healthy living and promote high standards of learning in order to enable all children and young people to gain a secure and prosperous future. Children & Young People Services will also seek to gain regularly the views of children and young people and, where possible, involve them in decisions regarding access to and provision of services.
In the coming year, the detailed implementation of the revision to the Island schools structure will be developed and consulted upon. However, the focus will remain on raising standards. Together with its new school improvement strategy and the work with schools, which face particular challenges, who receive with support from regional and national agencies as appropriate the emphasis will remain on assisting school leadership to raise standards across the board. The 14-19 Strategy will develop the preparation for more diplomas across a wider range of subjects. There will be fewer children excluded from schools and more encouraged to return to learning with an improved alternative education programme developed for those who find the traditional school environment a challenge. More 16/17 year olds who are not in education or employment will be encouraged to engage in learning to help them get into work and we will reduce teenage conceptions and injuries though misuse of alcohol. The service will also develop an implementation plan for youth provision based on the policy commission report of 2007.
There will be more support for parenting, with the Children’s Centres programme being rolled out further with centres in East Cowes, Newport and Sandown. In partnership with colleagues from the Healthy and Supportive Island and Safe and Well-kept Island working themes, this Service will work to improve the wellbeing of the Island’s young people across a range of issues: childhood obesity; tackling domestic violence; sexual health; family poverty; children’s mental health; substance misuse. Services for children in care will empower more young people through involvement in the design of their service and a Children in Care Council will be established. The work with health in expanding the joint team for safeguarding will continue (a first in England). In these ways, this service will demonstrate its commitment to Eco Island: social sustainability, through improving family wellbeing and opportunities; and economic sustainability, through improved skills and training.
If you would like to comment on Eco Island or would like more information, please email info@eco-island.org.uk or visit the Eco Island contacts page.
