Two projects run by Isle of Wight Council through services paid for under its children’s fund are being cited as examples of good practise on a major government website.
The Every Child Matters website is showcasing the council’s Extended Healthy Schools and its Early Interventions Service as case studies.
The National Healthy Schools Programme is a standard schools can meet to demonstrate how they are working to raise attainment for children and young people through a holistic health approach. Through funding provided under the Children’s Fund, the local Healthy Schools Programme could extend its service to meet the needs of local communities. Part of this includes commissioning a school food worker in the voluntary sector who supports schools in developing an approach to food through the community. This has resulted in the development of School Nutrition Action Groups being set-up which includes parents, local businesses and students.
The Early Interventions Service is a multi-agency initiative that helps prevent youth offending and improves access to local services. Provision is tailored to address the needs of children and young people who need support. This has seen group and one-on-one sessions organised that focus on substance, alcohol and solvent misuse, sexual health, social inclusion and emotional wellbeing. A range of community based sports, art and leisure activities are available.
Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member for Children & Young People Cllr Alan Wells said “With the Department for Children, Schools and Families highlighting these two projects as examples of good practice on its Every Child Matters website, it shows just how highly they are regarded. It is a reflection of the hard work of the council and its staff who are delivering these projects to improve the lives of the Island’s children and young people.”
Every Child Matters is a government initiative designed to unite agencies to improve children’s wellbeing. Organisations involved with providing services to children team up in new ways, sharing information and working together, to protect children and young people from harm and help them achieve what they want in life.
