Next steps for new plan that aims to make Lancashire the best place in the UK for children and young people
A new blueprint of the Lancashire vision to make the county the best place in the UK for children and young people to flourish from early years into adulthood is set to be discussed this week.
Lancashire is home to 287,989 children and young people aged 0-19, representing 23% of the population.
The Children and Young People’s Plan 2024-2028, which will be presented to cabinet on Thursday 5 September, sets out the county council's vision and strategic priorities to ensure children and young people in Lancashire are safe, healthy, happy, develop skills for life who feel they have a voice and influence.
Working effectively with our partners to achieve our vision, we aim to put the voice of children and young people at the heart of everything we do.
The plan reflects the voices of children and young people, who were central in its formation, and builds upon priorities agreed with the county council's partners on Lancashire's Health and Wellbeing Board, the Lancashire Children, Young People and Families Partnership and the Lancashire SEND Partnership, amongst others.
County Councillor Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for Children and Families, said:
"Our aspiration is to make Lancashire the best place in the UK for children and young people to grow and thrive from early years into adulthood.
"This strategy is part of a collective understanding of past successes, ongoing challenges and the need to be open and active to changing times and demands where young people are concerned.
"It has been enriched by feedback from partners and, crucially, the voices of the children and young people themselves.
"By improving outcomes and equipping young people with essential life skills, we are fostering a generation capable of building a thriving community, in a place they are proud to call home."
Subject to the agreement of cabinet, the final draft of the plan will be presented to Full Council for approval in October 2024.