New children's strategy developed for County Durham

Next week, Cabinet will be presented with a Growing Up in County Durham (GUiCD) strategy for 2023-2025.

It builds on the current Children and Young People's Strategy 2019-2022, which comes to an end this year and is due for review.

Strategic aims

Councillors will hear how the GUiCD strategy will focus on four strategic aims: to make sure every child has the best start in life, even before they are born; that all children are supported to be happy, healthy and safe to achieve their potential; that children and young people with additional needs are supported throughout their childhood, teenage years and as they move into adulthood; and to make sure services we provide have children, young people and families at their centre.

The wider context of growing up in County Durham is also reflected in the strategy, including young people's physical health, mental health and wellbeing and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Development of children

Cllr Ted Henderson,  Cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "The new children's strategy has the health, safety and development of children and their families as its focus.

"The vision for the new strategy is to support all children, young people and their families to achieve their goals in life, in an environment that is safe, happy, and healthy. We have been working with children, families, carers, and the community sector to ensure the priorities of our strategy are in line with what is most valuable to those who rely on our services.''

Consultation with family

The strategy has been developed through discussions and consultations with the voluntary and community sector, children and young people and their families, and carers.

It includes the delivery of Family Hubs, smoother transitions from children's services to adult services, focused communications with children and young people and their families, and ensuring that all children and young people can participate in good quality learning and skills opportunities.