A Skilled and Educated Island

Ensuring that our children and young people have the best start in life is essential for their well-being and central to the future of our community.

There are about 30,000 children and young people living on the Island aged up to 19 years. Of that total, 619 have statements of special educational needs, 180 are in care and 90 are on the child protection register.

Children and young people need to feel safe at all times. Those who suffer abuse, violence and neglect will often struggle to reach their potential and evidence suggests that this can impact well into adulthood.

The safeguarding and welfare of vulnerable children and young people is a core aim of the community strategy.

We will create an Island where young and old alike have the skills
and qualifications necessary for a happy and fulfilled life.

We will achieve this by:

• Ensuring Island children are physically, sexually and mentally healthy, and able to make positive life choices
• Ensuring Island children are safe from maltreatment, neglect, discrimination and injury, and live in a safe and stable environment
• Ensuring Island children are able to attend and enjoy school and can maximise their potential
• Ensuring Island children and young people are empowered and able to make a positive contribution to the lives of their families and communities
• Ensuring Island young people are prepared to have a positive work ethic and are able to maximise their employment opportunities.

(More information can be found in the Community Strategy. For further detail on specific targets, please see the Local Area Agreement section of the site.)