Getting it right for every child

North Ayrshire is the first authority in Scotland to launch an ambitious plan to ensure children across the council area get the best possible start in life.

Called ‘Getting it Right For You’, the far-reaching strategy will be implemented over the next four years to improve children’s services and meet local needs and aspirations.

The plan is unique from anything done before in North Ayrshire. It is based on the life course of a child, covering the early years, primary and secondary school and contains a range of ‘promises’ it will carry out to improve children’s outcomes.

Response

The plan is the strategic response to the Children Count survey – one of the most powerful pieces of work carried out in developing children’s services in North Ayrshire.

Almost 8,000 young people and 630 families with young children took part in the survey, which was designed by the Dartington Social Research Unit – a pioneering independent charity using data and evidence to influence policy to improve children’s outcomes.

A further 1,295 youngsters were then consulted on the plan’s priorities and 94 per cent agreed with them while 98 per cent agreed with the plan’s vision.

Priorities

The key priorities identified through the plan are: *Improving how children and young

people engage with school. *Helping children and young people to

keep fit and maintain a healthy weight. *Preventing smoking, drinking and taking

substances at an early age. *Supporting children and young people’s social and emotional development. North Ayrshire Council leader Willie Gibson said: ‘It is an exciting and ground-breaking plan and one to be hugely proud of, given the extensive research and consultation processes that have been carried out with young people and families throughout North Ayrshire.’