A refreshed and reinvigorated “Putting Children First Partnership” (formerly the Knowsley Children and Families Board) met yesterday.
The partnership is made up of representatives from the council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Youth Association, health, education, housing, the community and voluntary sector and representatives from Knowsley Youth Parliament.
It provides strategic leadership, oversight and co-ordination to ensure the effective development and delivery of the Children and Young People’s Plan and improve outcomes for all children and young people in Knowsley.
The partnership is co-chaired by Mark Mirfin, Knowsley Council’s Executive Director for Children and Young People and Poppy Williams, a member of Knowsley Youth Parliament.
Importantly, by having three representatives from the Knowsley Youth Parliament on the partnership, this demonstrates the commitment to ensuring the voice of children and young people is pivotal to the partnership’s ongoing work and future priorities.
Yesterday’s meeting reviewed the draft Children and Young People’s Plan, the draft Best Start in Life Strategy and an update on the development of the Children and Young People’s Participation Framework, strengthening the connection between children and young people and decision makers, creating clearer and more accessible opportunities for children and young people to have their voices heard and ensuring their views can meaningfully shape decision-making.
Poppy Williams, co-chair of the Putting Children First Partnership, said “I’m delighted to be co-chairing the Putting Children First Partnership and that children and young people are represented on this partnership. It shows the importance and commitment from all partners across Knowsley to ensure that children and young people’s voices, views and ideas are listened to. The partnership’s priority is to provide the very best, and accessible, support and services for children and young people in Knowsley.”
Mark Mirfin, Executive Director for Children and Young People, added “It’s great to be part of such an enthusiastic and committed partnership, where we all want the very best for our children and young people and will support them to be safe, happy, healthy and achieve in life.
“I’m also delighted that we have members of the Knowsley Youth Parliament on the partnership who can share their experiences and ideas, as well as helping to engage with children and people across the borough to ensure that the partnership’s work is aligned to their needs and it is making a real, positive difference to their lives.
“I’m really looking forward to this partnership progressing and delivering positive outcomes for our children and young people.”