A new three-year strategic plan sets out a clear route to transform the services that support children, young people and families in Plymouth.
The plan, titled ‘Achieving Excellence’, was formally agreed by the Council’s Cabinet today (8 July).
It outlines ten key priorities that will help the Council and its partners keep children, young people and families safe and supported early and improve education, skills and health outcomes.
Work has been underway to continually improve services for children and young people, sharply focused since an Ofsted Visit in December 2022. A full Ofsted inspection then took place in January 2024 which recognised the ‘significant’ improvements that had taken place.
‘Achieving Excellence’ will continue to build on these improvements, including the recruitment of a new permanent senior leadership team, which has created firm foundations for the future of Plymouth’s Children’s Services.
At the core of the plan is the experiences of children, young people and families. Young people have provided feedback, saying they want a city that is ‘equal, kind and safe’, where their voices are heard and acted on. The plan has been co-produced using input from families, staff and partners to identify what needs to be done differently in future.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that Plymouth is a great place to grow up, where children and young people have a bright future and are safe, healthy and happy.
“This new strategic plan sets out a clear route for us to transform and improve, working collaboratively with partners to ensure that children, young people and their families receive the help they need at the right time, so they are empowered to thrive and fulfil their potential.”
A key focus within the plan is on early intervention, making sure that services are in place so that families receive support as soon as they need it. This will be supported by the development of Family Hubs, which expand the support that has previously been provided by children’s centres by bringing together a huge range of support from pregnancy through to early adulthood.