Is your council in a strong position to continue to improve outcomes for children and young people and their families? This guide, specifically developed for the council leader, has been shaped by current and former leaders, lead members and chief executives with experience of children’s services improvement.
A child’s earliest years are their foundation; if we give them a great start, they have a much better chance of fulfilling their potential as they grow up. This resource pack looks at the responsibilities and role of councils when it comes to education and childcare, outlines funding entitlements and legislation all of which are incredibly important when it comes to supporting our youngest residents.
This resource pack gives councillors an overview of the key legislative and policy issues regarding placements for children in care. The resource explores good practice, key issues and things to look at in local areas to try to improve the sufficiency and quality of placements, so that every child can live in the best possible home.
Every councillor has a role to play in embedding the corporate parenting principles and doing all they can to support cared for children to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Councils have a statutory duty to “secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people” and to make sure young people have a say in the local offer. This is often referred to as the ’youth services duty’.
Is your council doing all it can to improve outcomes for children and young people?
This document, specifically developed for chief executives, has been shaped by chief executives who are either former directors of children’s services or for other reasons have been closely associated with leading improvement journeys in council children’s services.
This research produced by Isos Partnership, commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) and County Councils Network (CCN), explores the need for fundamental reform of the SEND system in England.
In April 2024, the LGA launched an online survey which was open to responses for around five weeks. The survey was launched following the announcement of the expansion of the existing early years entitlements and aimed to capture the thoughts of the respondents on the challenges that the expansion may create.
This is a practical guide for councillors and officers looking to do more in the area of improving physical activity levels for children and young people from low incomes. It includes tips and case studies to support councils on their journey.
The guide was co-produced with a group of Coram Voice A National Voice (ANV) Ambassadors from across England who have been involved in participation. The purpose is to support councillors, council officers and those working in other organisations who want to work with those with care experience.
