A NEW initiative aimed at giving children the best start in life has been backed by Cleveland Violence Reduction Partnership (CURV).
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has partnered with Thrive at Five.
The agencies will work with communities in Dormanstown, Eston, Grangetown, Kirkleatham and South Bank.
The initiative takes a local approach to enable all children to reach a good level of development by the end of their first year in primary school.
In turn, this helps children to develop stronger foundations for life and learning – and help every child fulfil their potential.
Firstly, Thrive at Five will listen to parents, carers, teachers, health providers and other community representatives and groups. They work together to decide the best approach.
Then, a local team, supported by national Thrive at Five, partners and specialists, will support the community to deliver activities. Action will benefit the development and wellbeing of children aged 0 to five.
In the longer-term, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council plans to scale up early year’s support into other areas including East Cleveland, drawing on its Family Hubs programme.
The best opportunity
John Holden, Head of CURV, said: “CURV is committed to working with partners, who seek to strengthen protective factors for children”.
“CURV’s aim is to provide children with the best opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment. That’s so they have the best chance of success in later life. As a result, we are excited to be a part of this programme”.
As a key partner CURV is working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Thrive at Five and the Woodsmith Foundation.
Ian Swales, Chairman of the Wordsmith Foundation, said: “The Woodsmith Foundation is committed to giving children in the area the best possible start in life. This includes ensuring they have equal access to support and opportunities regardless of where they are born.
“We’re looking forward to working with Thrive at Five to learn together what will work in the local area. We are proud to be supporting this programme.”
Second initiative of its kind
Redcar and Cleveland Thrive at Five will be only the second Thrive at Five initiative in England. It builds on the success of work already underway in parts of Stoke-on-Trent.
Aida Cable, Thrive at Five’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “All the research shows that reaching a good level of development at age five sets the foundations for children to thrive in life and learning.
“Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the Woodsmith Foundation, CURV and local parents, carers and communities are coming together around a shared commitment.
“That commitment is to the wellbeing, education, future and support of the children that need it most.
“We are looking forward to talking, listening and working with the local community.
“That will shape an approach to deliver long-term benefits in the development of children in Redcar and Cleveland, from pregnancy to birth, from cradle to classroom.”