Dorset Babies, Children, Young People and Families Plan 2023 to 2033

I am delighted to be introducing and commending the latest version of our on-going 10-year Babies, Children, Young People and Families Plan 2023 to 2033. For those of you familiar with earlier versions of the plan, you will no doubt note the addition of ‘Babies’ in the title. This is recognition of our commitment to supporting our youngest children and the disproportionally positive impact support at this stage has on children’s future outcomes.

As I write this introduction, we are in the middle of a period of very significant national reform of services supporting babies, children, young people, and families. In Dorset we have led the national reform of children’s social care through our work as a Pathfinder for the Families First for Children strategy and are just about to move into our amended Families First Locality Model. 

Earlier this year, the Government published a school’s white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which proposes significant reform to improve education outcomes for all children, especially the most disadvantaged. It includes significant reform of the way the ‘system’ supports and educates children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities.

And in line with Government requirements and targets, we have just published our new Best Start Local Offer, designed specifically to increase the proportion of our young children who reach a ‘Good Level of Development’ (GLD), as they start school, with a particular emphasis on closing the gap for disadvantaged children.

You will see our work on these reform initiatives reflected throughout this plan. You will also see a repeated theme of partnership and prevention, and hopefully a coming together of the reform initiatives detailed above, as we seek to ensure they complement one another. While the reforms and the pace of reform mean a busy time for us, they are also an exciting opportunity to deliver improved outcomes and lasting change for our children and families.

We will continue working together to build on what we have achieved to date and to ensure that as a strong partnership we realise the great opportunities that have been opened up to us through the ambitious national reform programme, and that we deliver it through this overarching plan.

We recently unveiled our new Best Start Local Plan – a comprehensive, long-term approach to ensure that every baby and young child in Dorset has the best start in life.

Paul Dempsey, Executive Director People – Children

As Chair of the Dorset Strategic Alliance for Babies, Children and Young People, it has been great to see the progress of this work from dedicated colleagues from agencies across Dorset. 

One of the recent highlights has been the launch of Dorset’s Early Help Strategy 2026 to 2029, which is part of our wider ambition to make Dorset the best place to be a child and the best place to raise a family. 

This strategy aligns with the Babies, Children, Young People and Families Plan 2023 to 2033, ensuring that every child has the strongest foundations for life. 

By working collaboratively and activating family networks, we aim to build resilience, reduce the need for statutory intervention and help every child in Dorset thrive. 

I have also been delighted to see the progress of our Birth to Settled Adulthood service, which with the help of NHS and voluntary sector colleagues, is beginning to enable our young people to thrive as they grow into adulthood. 

Our Keyworker Service is supporting children and young people with a learning disability and/or autism, who are at risk of being admitted to mental health hospital settings.  

Commissioned by the NHS, our team within the Birth to Settled Adulthood Service, works with children and young people aged 0 to 25, who are on the Dynamic Support Register, live in Dorset, are registered with a Dorset GP, and are either in crisis, at risk of hospital admission or currently in a mental health inpatient setting. 

By working closely with families and professionals, keyworkers help ensure that young people are supported in their communities and that their voices remain central to decisions about their care. 

I am pleased with the progress being made – we are delivering our services locally where we can and will work together to ensure that everyone is supported to have equity of outcomes.

Cllr Clare Sutton, Portfolio Lead for Children’s Services, Families and Education

Dorset Strategic Alliance for Children and Young People

The Dorset Strategic Alliance for Children and Young People is a group of different services working together. It includes leaders from the council, police, health services, fire and rescue, schools, early years settings, and community groups.

They work as a team to plan and improve services for babies, children and young people, so they can have better lives and brighter futures.

“We want Dorset to be the best place to be a child, where communities thrive, and families are supported to be the best they can be.”

We want all our babies, children and young people to:

• have the best start in life
• be safe from harm and have the help they need when they need it
• have healthy and active lives
• be prepared for adult life
• feel they can have their say, are listened to and are able to make a difference
• enjoy growing up in Dorset
• have a settled and happy education that enables them to achieve their full potential

In 2020, the Dorset Strategic Alliance made a 3-year plan for babies, children and young people. They listened carefully to children, young people, parents, carers, and people who help them before making the plan. Appendix 1 shows what we have done so far.

Over the next 10 years, we will share a report every year. This will explain what we have done together to improve the lives of babies, children, young people, and families in our communities.

While we worked on our first plan, we kept listening to people in our communities. We found that even though some things have changed, what helps babies, children and young people do well is mostly the same.

But children and young people also told us something important. They want us to do more to keep them safe and help them feel like they belong in their communities. Because of this, we have kept the same 6 priorities from our last plan and added a new one about safety and belonging in the community.

Our priorities for this plan are grouped under seven themes:

1. Best start in life
2. Young and thriving
3. Good care provision
4. Best education for all
5. Best place to live
6. Local Family Help
7. Safe at home and in the community

Children and young people are very important for the future of our county. The pandemic made life harder for them, especially for those from poorer families. This has made the gap between them and others bigger. So, it is more important than ever to make sure every child, and young person has the same chance to do well.

We are working together to build strong foundations now so children and young people can have better lives in the future. This plan covers 10 years, from 2023 to 2033. It shows how we will work as a team. We will keep listening to children, young people, families, and the people who help them. We will also look at information and check each year how well we are doing and change the plan if we need to.

We know that the government is making big changes to how children’s services work, including support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. We will work together to make sure these changes are put in place in a way that works well for the people of Dorset.

We are also working with partners through the Neighbourhood Health Programme. This brings health services, councils, schools, community groups and other organisations together to support people closer to where they live. It focuses on helping people stay well, giving support early and making services easier to use. This fits with our aim of working together to give babies, children, young people and families the right help, in the right place, at the right time.

We share the same values and promise to work together with children, young people, and their families in these ways:

• we always put babies, children and families first in everything we do, including how we plan services
• we make sure no child or family is left out, so everyone has a fair chance
• we try to help early, giving the right support at the right time and place
• we work with families, not doing things to them or for them
• we think about the whole family and make sure services work together
• we notice and build on people’s strengths in families and communities
• we include everyone, stand up to unfairness, and help all children feel they belong
• we spend money wisely on things that help children and families the most
• we stay positive and keep trying to help every child do well
• we respect children’s rights in everything we do

This plan is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This is a set of rights that every child should have.

We agreed a plan to make sure children’s rights are part of everything we do. We will use these rights to help us make decisions, run services and listen to children and young people. This will help make sure all children and young people in Dorset are safe, healthy, heard and given the support they need to do their best.

We have lots of local groups and volunteers who help in our communities. They give support early on and create safe, friendly places and activities.

This helps families, children, and young people grow, feel happy, and do well.

In early 2023, the government shared a new plan called “Stable Homes Built on Love”. This plan is about how councils and other groups should work together to put families at the centre of the help they give.

Dorset was chosen to lead a special project called “Families First for Children.” This has helped us build on the way different services already work together in local areas.

Through this work, we have made our services join up even better. We will keep finding new ways to support families, including helping families make decisions together and supporting children to stay with people they know and trust, like relatives or close family friends.

All of this work will be led by our Strategic Alliance Partnership.

Appendix 2 shows links to plans from our partner organisations. These plans all fit together and help us deliver this plan for babies, children, young people, and families.

Our partnership includes people from different organisations across Dorset. They all work to help children and young people have better lives.

Our Strategic Alliance Board includes people from different groups:

• Dorset Council Elected Members
• Dorset Council Executive Officers
• Dorset Police
• NHS Dorset
• Dorset Healthcare
• Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
• Youth Justice Service
• Probation
• Voluntary and Community Sector Representatives (Over 3,500 organisations and charities working through the co-ordinated 0 to 25 Forum and over 14,000 local community groups, organisations, activities, and events linked through Help and Kindness)
• Schools
• Early Years Settings
• Dorset Parent Carer Council
• Local Alliance Groups

There is not much money to spend, so we need to use it carefully. To make the biggest difference, we will keep improving how we train and support our staff across all our teams.

We will work closely together to plan this training, share ideas, and make sure we work in similar ways where we can. We know that the way we work is changing, so we will keep learning and improving.

The Dorset Strategic Alliance for Babies, Children, Young People and Families helps lead and guide this Plan. It works with different organisations to make sure we achieve our shared goals for babies, children, young people and families across Dorset.

The Alliance does not work on its own. It is part of a wider group of organisations that work together to support health, safety, education, social care and other important services for children and families.

The Alliance works closely with the Dorset Health and Wellbeing Board. Together, they make sure that the goals in this Plan match Dorset's wider priorities for health and wellbeing.

By working together, organisations can help children and families stay healthy, reduce unfair differences in people's lives, and give every child and young person the chance to be happy, safe and reach their full potential.

The Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership makes sure everyone who works to keep children safe follows the same rules.

They check that these rules are used properly and make sure staff have the right training to do their jobs well.

Dorset Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Board

The Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership Board brings together important organisations to work as one team to keep children and young people in Dorset safe.

This group helps services work well together, so every child is protected and can grow, feel happy, and do their best.

Outcomes for children and young people and their families

It is very important for us to listen to children, young people, and their families. Their feedback helps us learn, improve our services, and understand how our help is making a difference in their lives.

Sometimes, children and young people say they are not involved in choices about their lives. They also say they are not given enough information or do not understand what is happening. We know that things work better when parents understand what services do and what to expect.

We will keep working with other independent organisations to help us check and understand how well we are doing. For example, a group from Oxford Brookes University has already helped us look at our work in 2023, and they will continue to help us see how we are improving.

We will use information from all the organisations we work with to check how well services are doing. Every 3 months, the group meets to talk about what we have done and how it has helped. Once a year, we will publish a bigger report to show the difference our plan has made and decide if we need to change anything to do even better.

Find more information on understanding Dorset.

What we want

We want every baby and young child in Dorset to have the best possible start in life, wherever they live.

This means all children should:

• be safe, healthy and feel happy
• feel loved, secure and cared for
• learn and grow at their own pace

We also want families to feel confident, supported and able to access help easily when they need it.  We will help children grow and be the best they can be. This includes making sure they have good health, healthy food, and a safe place to live.

Why this is important

The earliest years of life matter most. From pregnancy to age 2 (the first 1,001 days), a baby’s brain develops more quickly than at any other time.

During this time, babies need:

• loving and responsive relationships
• safe and caring adults
• time to play, communicate and connect

These early experiences help children to:

• feel safe and emotionally secure
• build confidence and resilience
• learn, develop and get ready for nursery and school

Not all families have the same start. Some may face additional challenges, such as health needs, financial pressures or limited access to support. Getting help early can make a lasting difference, improving outcomes for children and strengthening family wellbeing.

The support available in Dorset

Services across Dorset already work together to support families from pregnancy onwards.

This includes:

• Best Start Family Hubs
• health services (including maternity and health visiting)
• early years settings and schools
• community and voluntary organisations

Together, services:

• listen to families and respond to their needs
• identify concerns early
• provide help as soon as possible

Dorset has a strong foundation of support, including:

• well-established perinatal and early years mental health services
• health checks, vaccinations and early development reviews
• infant feeding and nutrition support
• family Hubs offering advice, activities and connection

However, we know we need to do more to:

• reach families in rural and coastal communities
• make services easier to access and navigate
• ensure all families benefit from the same opportunities
• build stronger support within local communities
   

Keeping babies safe

We will:

• work together across services to keep babies and young children safe
• identify concerns early and act quickly
• support parents and carers to create safe home environments
• make it easy for families to ask for help and advice

Supporting happiness and wellbeing

We will:

• help parents and carers build strong bonds with their babies
• support emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and the early years
• build on existing perinatal mental health support to reach more families in communities and Family Hubs
• offer early support, including peer groups and community activities
• help families feel connected and less isolated

Supporting healthy growth and development

We will:

• help families keep their children healthy through advice and support
• promote infant feeding, nutrition and healthy routines
• encourage vaccinations and regular health checks
• identify developmental needs early and ensure families can access the right support

Helping children learn and get ready for school

We will:

• support parents and carers to help their child learn through everyday activities like talking, reading and play
• work with early years settings to provide high-quality early education
• strengthen children’s communication, language and social skills
• identify and support children who need extra help as early as possible
• support smooth transitions into nursery and school

Helping families feel connected and supported

We will:

• make Family Hubs welcoming, inclusive and easy to access
• offer support close to where families live, including in rural areas
• improve access to groups, activities and local support networks
• provide clear, simple information about services, childcare and financial help
• work with parents, carers, partners and wider family members to design services that meet different needs

Supporting families who need extra help

We will:

• focus on families experiencing greater challenges or inequality
• improve access to financial advice, childcare and early education
• target support in communities where it is needed most
• work with partners to reduce barriers to accessing services

Strengthening our support around families

We will:

• support and develop the early years workforce across all services
• improve how services share information, so families do not have to repeat their story
• use data and feedback from families to understand what is working and where we need to improve
• continue to build a culture of learning and innovation across the partnership
• work closely with community organisations to reach more families
• improve support and opportunities for dads, partners and wider carers to be fully involved

Our message to families

Caring for a baby or young child brings many changes.

Our aim is to:

• support you early
• work alongside you
• listen to what matters to you

Help is available, and you are not alone.

Together, we can give every child in Dorset the best possible start in life.

What we want

We want all young people in Dorset to grow up ready for adult life.

We want them to:

• feel confident and happy
• build good relationships with people they trust
• learn skills for work and independence
• have opportunities that match their hopes and goals

Young people have the right to share their thoughts and feelings, and these should be listened to and taken seriously when decisions are made about their lives. We also want to support young people who may face extra challenges so they can do well.

Why this is important

Growing up can be challenging.

Young people today face things like:

• pressure from social media
• worries about school, work, and the future
• changes since the pandemic

Young people have told us they want:

• better support for their mental health and wellbeing
• more chances to gain work experience
• help to feel ready for adult life

Some young people may need extra support, including:

• young carers
• young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
• those at risk of getting into trouble

Getting the right help early can make a big difference and help young people succeed.

What is happening now

Many young people in Dorset are doing well, but some need extra help.

Some young people:

• struggle with their mental health or emotions
• find school challenging or do not attend regularly
• are not in education, employment, or training

We are already taking action by:

• supporting young people to return to education, training, or work
• helping young people who have been in care move into adult life
• offering more work opportunities, including supported internships for young people with SEND
• providing youth workers and local support for young people who need extra help
• working with police to help young people stay out of the justice system

There are also services to support young people’s wellbeing, but we know:

• some young people find it hard to access help
• services need to work better together

What we will do next

Helping young people prepare for adult life

We will:

• offer more education, training, and job opportunities
• help young people gain skills for work and independence
• support young people leaving care to find jobs or training

Supporting young people with SEND

We will:

• help young people with SEND prepare for adult life
• offer more pathways into work
• support families during this transition

Supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health

We will:

• improve access to mental health support
• work together across services to support young people
• make sure young people get help at the right time
• provide safe places and support

Providing safe places and support

We will make sure young people have:

• somewhere safe to go
• things to do
• someone to talk to
• provide more youth work and activities across Dorset

Listening to young people

We will:

• involve young people in decisions about services
• listen to their views and experiences
• make sure they understand their rights

Supporting young people at risk

We will:

• support young carers
• help young people stay away from crime
• provide early help to those who may be struggling

Our message to families

We know that the teenage years can be exciting but sometimes difficult.

Our aim is to:

• support young people to feel confident and happy
• work with families to provide the right help
• help young people build a positive future

You are not alone. Support is available when you need it.

What we want

We want children to grow up in safe, loving homes.

Our aim is to:

• help families stay together where possible
• keep children close to home and their community
• make sure children feel safe, cared for, and valued

If children cannot live with their parents, we want them to:

• live with family members or people they know, where possible
• be cared for by foster carers or in homes that feel safe and stable
• be cared for in a way that respects who they are, the people they care about, and their culture

We want all children in care to:

• build strong and enduring relationships
• do well in school
• feel proud of who they are
• be ready for adult life

Why this is important

Children need stable and loving relationships to grow and thrive.

Family and friends are very important. When children can stay connected to people they know and love, they are more likely to feel:

• safe
• happy
• like they belong

If children need to live somewhere else, it is important that:

• they are cared for in a way that respects who they are
• they stay close to their home and community where possible

This helps children:

• keep friendships and support networks
• continue school and activities
• have better outcomes in life

What is happening now

Services in Dorset are working hard to improve care for children.

We have:

• helped more children stay with family or wider family members
• set up services to support families and prevent children coming into care
• increased local care homes and support in the community
• created strong foster carer networks to support children and carers
• improved support for young people leaving care

We are also:

• listening to children and young people to improve services
• supporting carers with training and resources
• creating more opportunities for children to stay in stable homes

However, we know:

• we still need more foster carers
• some children still live too far from home
• some children move homes too often

We want to improve this.

What we will do next

Keeping children close to home

We will:

• increase the number of local foster carers
• provide more homes in Dorset
• help children stay close to family, friends, and school

Supporting family care

We will:

• help family members care for children where possible
• support kinship carers (family or friends who care for children)
• work with families to find the best solutions for children

Providing stable and loving homes

We will:

• make sure children have stable homes with fewer moves
• match children with the right carers
• support carers to meet children’s needs

Supporting children to stay connected

We will:

• help children keep enduring relationships with family and important people
• make sure time with family is safe and meaningful
• support children to understand their identity and background
• when it is safe, we will help children go back home to live with their parents

Supporting young people into adulthood

We will:

• help young people learn skills for independence
• support young people to stay with carers when needed
• provide housing and support after age 18

Improving support and services

We will:

• improve how we plan and provide care
• work with partners to create better services
• listen to children and young people to shape what we do
   

What we want

We want all children and young people in Dorset to:

• feel safe, welcome, and included at school
• enjoy learning
• do their best and achieve their goals

Why this is important

Every family wants their child to have a good education. Every child has the right to go to school and learn. This helps them grow their skills, discover what they are good at, and learn to treat others with kindness and respect.

Education helps children to:

• important skills
• build confidence
• have more choices for their future

We want every child to feel they belong in school.

Some children need extra help, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). It is important they get the right support at the right time. By working together with schools and families, we can help every child succeed.

What is happening now

We know there are some challenges in education across Dorset:

• some children are not reaching the levels we would like at school
• children from lower-income families often face more challenges
• more children are sometimes suspended, though fewer are permanently excluded
• attendance is improving, but some children still miss too much school
• there are not enough specialist places for children with SEND

We are working with schools and other partners across Dorset to improve outcomes for all children and young people.

What we will do next

Helping children feel welcome and included

We will:

• make schools safe, welcoming places for everyone
• help children attend school regularly
• reduce suspensions and exclusions
• support children who need extra help, including those with SEND
• support children when they move between schools

Helping children do their best

We will:

• work closely with schools to improve results
• help children from lower-income families do as well as others
• support younger children to be ready for school and learning

Working together to improve education

We will:

• help schools share ideas and work together
• support teachers and school staff
• provide training and learning opportunities
• share good practice across Dorset

Supporting families and wider needs

We will:

• help families access free school meals if they are eligible
• support different types of learning, including practical and work-based options
• link learning to wider priorities, like caring for the environment
• support children in care to do well in education

Our message to families

We know that education is important to you and your child.

Our aim is to:

• work with you
• listen to your views
• support your child to feel safe, happy, and successful

If you ever need support, we are here to help.

What we want

We want Dorset to be a great place for babies, children and young people to grow up.

We want them to:

• feel safe and happy where they live
• have places to play, learn, and spend time with others
• feel listened to and valued
• be part of welcoming and friendly communities

All children have the right to play, rest, and be part of activities in their community and culture. We also want young people to be able to take part in activities and help look after the environment.

Why this is important

Children and young people have told us what matters to them.

They want to:

• live in places where people are kind and fair
• feel safe and like they belong
• be listened to and involved in decisions
• have chances to take part in activities

Taking part in activities helps children:

• make friends
• build confidence
• learn new skills

All children have the right to:

• play and relax
• take part in sports, arts, and other activities
• spend time outdoors

Young people also want:

• safe ways to travel, like buses, walking, and cycling
• communities that treat everyone fairly, no matter who they are
• action to protect the environment and tackle climate change

What is happening now

Children and young people in Dorset already have ways to share their views, such as:

• youth councils
• youth parliament
• groups for children in care

We also have many activities and places for young people across Dorset.

However, we know:

• some activities are hard to get to or cost too much
• some young people feel left out or experience bullying or discrimination
• some children, including those with disabilities, find it harder to access places
• young people in rural areas can feel isolated

We know we need to do more to make Dorset welcoming and accessible for everyone.

What we will do next

Making places welcoming and inclusive

We will:

• make sure places and services are open and welcoming to everyone
• help communities treat all children and young people fairly
• support inclusion for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Helping children take part in activities

We will:

• make it easier to find out about local activities
• provide a wide range of things to do, including:
  • play areas
  • sports and outdoor activities
  • arts and music
  • youth and environmental activities

Listening to children and young people

We will:

• give young people chances to share their views
• involve them in decisions that affect them
• show how their ideas make a difference

Building kinder communities

We will:

• challenge bullying, discrimination, and racism
• celebrate differences and individuality
• help children feel they belong

Improving access and travel

We will:

• improve access to outdoor spaces like parks, countryside, and beaches
• support better transport, walking, and cycling routes
• help all children get to the places they want to go

Protecting the environment

We will:

• support actions to tackle climate change
• encourage recycling and reducing waste
• promote greener ways of living

Our message to families

We want Dorset to be a place where your child can feel safe, included, and happy.

Our aim is to:

• listen to young people
• work with communities
• create better places for children and families

Together, we can make Dorset a place where every child feels they belong and can thrive.

What we want

We want Dorset to be a place where every child and young person can grow up:

• safe, healthy, and happy
• supported by people around them

We also want all families to feel:

• welcome
• included
• able to get help when they need it

We know that families need different types of support at different times. Our aim is to make sure you can get the right help, at the right time, in the right place. Families should get the help they need to look after their children in a safe and caring home.

Why this is important

All families can face challenges at times.

If families do not get help early, problems can grow and may affect children’s wellbeing and daily life.

We know that:

• getting help early makes a big difference
• families do best when support works with them
• feeling connected to others helps families feel stronger
• support should be easy to understand and easy to access

Some families, including those with children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), may need extra or more joined-up support.

Early years are also very important. Support from pregnancy onwards helps children grow, learn, and feel well. That’s why, through Dorset’s Best Start Local Plan, we are working together to make sure every baby and young child has the best possible start in life

What is happening now

Services in Dorset are working more closely together to support families.

We have:

• developed our plan for making it easier for families to get help quickly and in a way that works best for them, wherever they go for support.
• set up Family Help teams so families get joined-up support
• worked towards ensuring families have one key person to support them, helping reduce the need to repeat their story
• created ways for families to help make decisions about their support
• expanded Family Hubs, offering friendly and local places to get help
• worked with community organisations to better support families

This means families can get support earlier and more easily than before.

What we will do next

Making support easy to access

We will:

• provide clear and simple information
• offer support through Family Hubs and local community spaces
• make sure services are welcoming and easy to use
• make support accessible for all families, including those with SEND

Working with the whole family

We will:

• support the whole family, starting from pregnancy onwards
• involve families in decisions about their support
• help families build their own support networks

Joining up services

We will:

• help different services work together as one team
• use one shared plan, so families don’t have to repeat their story
• make sure support changes as your needs change
• work closely with services supporting children with SEND

Building strong communities

We will:

• work with local groups to understand what families need
• support community activities and groups
• give children and young people chances to share their views

Supporting parents and carers

We will:

• offer practical parenting support
• help with challenges like wellbeing and relationships
• provide help early, before problems get bigger

Supporting the people who help families

We will:

• make sure staff feel confident and well-trained
• encourage ways of working that focus on relationships and strengths
• help professionals work well together to support families

Our message to families

We know that family life can be challenging at times.

Our aim is to:

• support you early
• work with you
• listen to what matters to you

You are not alone. If you need help, we are here.

What we want

We want all children and young people in Dorset to be safe and to feel safe – both at home and in the local area where they live.

Why this is important

Every family wants their children to grow up happy and safe.

Dorset is generally a safe place, but we know that some children and young people do not always feel safe. This might be at home, in their local area, or online. We want to change that.

All children have a right to be safe from harm (The United Nations Convention Rights Children Article 19). This means adults, services, and communities must work together to protect them.

Some children may face extra risks, such as:

• being hurt by others
• being pressured or taken advantage of
• getting involved in unsafe situations

We want to make sure families feel supported and that children are protected wherever they spend their time.

What is happening now

We know that some risks to young people are increasing, including:

• violence linked to drugs
• bullying or harmful behaviour
• unsafe attitudes towards girls and young women

Feeling safe is very important to children and young people, and we take this seriously.

Different services in Dorset are working together to:

• spot problems early
• support families sooner
• help keep children safe

We have regular meetings where professionals work together to support children who may be at risk.

We are also:

• growing projects like the Pineapple Project, which helps make communities safer
• supporting families through Safeguarding Families Together, where different specialists help with things like mental health, substance use, alcohol use and domestic abuse

These services work alongside families, helping them make positive changes and stay together safely where possible.

What we will do next

How we will support safety at home

We will:

• work closely with families and listen to them
• offer help early, before problems get bigger
• only step in more strongly when it is really needed
• help families make decisions together
• make sure it is easy for people to raise concerns about a child
• provide joined-up support from different professionals
• keep improving how we work to better support families

How we will support safety in the community

We will:

• help keep children safe outside the home, including online
• work with the police and other services to protect young people
• reduce the number of times children go missing
• expand projects like the Pineapple Project across Dorset
• tackle violence against women and girls
• work with communities to create safer places for children
• take action against people who harm young people
• make sure schools are safe and free from bullying
• always listen to children’s voices and put their needs first

Our message to families

We know parenting and family life can be challenging at times. You are not alone.

Our aim is to:

• support you early
• work with you, not against you
• help your children stay safe, happy, and healthy

If you are worried about your child or someone else’s, it is always okay to ask for help.

Dorset Strategic Alliance for Children and Young People - Annual Report June 2025.

Links to partner plans:

•    Dorset Council Plan
•    Police and Crime Plan
•    ICB Joint Forward Plan
•    ICB 5-year commissioning strategy
•    Integrated Care Partnership Strategy
•    Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Community Safety Plan 2024 to 2028
•    Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Health Care - Working together, improving lives
•    Dorset Youth 0-25 Forum
 

The following KPIs are some examples of the nationally benchmarkable measures we’ll use evidence the impact of the delivery of our plan. Our quarterly updates and Annual Reports will include additional local measures from across the partnership.

Best Start In Life:

• infant Mortality rate per 1000 live births
• low birth weight full term live births as a percentage of all full-term live births
• percentage of children in reception year who are overweight or obese
• percentage of 2, 3 and 4-year-old children benefitting from funded early education
• percentage 2, 3 and 4-year old children benefitting from funded early education, in Good/Outstanding provider
• under 18 conception Rates per 1000 girls (15 to 17)
• prevalence of breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks
• foundation Stage percentage achieving a good level of development
• foundation Stage percentage achieving expected standard across all early learning goals

Young and thriving:

• first Time entrants to the Youth Justice System aged 10 to 17
• proportion of young offenders who re-offend (10 to 14-year-olds and 15 to 17- year-olds) 
• reoffending rates
• number of children in custody
• percentage 16 to 17-year-olds that are not in education, employment or training (NEET) 
• percentage 16 to 17-year-olds whose current activity, in relation to NEET, is not known
• percentage Care leavers who were in not in education, training or employment

Good care provision:

• percentage Care Leavers in suitable accommodation
• number of approved foster places
• proportion of children in kinship care arrangements
• children in care receiving Health and Dental checks
• percentage of Children in Care who have their immunisations up to date
• percentage of children in care placed more than 20 miles from their homes, outside of Dorset
• percentage Children in Care with three or more placements during the year

Best education for all:

• Key Stage 1 - Percentage of Pupils achieving Reading, Writing, Maths and Science - Expected Standard
• Key Stage 1 Gaps
• Key Stage 2 - Percentage in reading, writing and mathematics - Expected standard All Pupils
• Key Stage 2 - Progress between age 7 and age 11 – Reading, Writing, Maths and Science
• Key Stage 2 Gaps
• Key Stage 4 - Average Progress 8 score per pupil
• Key Stage 4 - Average Attainment 8 score per pupil
• Key Stage 4 - Percentage of pupils achieving 9-5 pass in English and Maths
• Key Stage 4 Gaps
• Key Stage 5 - Average point score per entry A Level Cohort, Tech Level, Applied General Studies
• Key Stage 5 Gaps
• achievement of a Level 2 qualification by the age of 19
• age 19 qualification gaps
• school attendance
• school exclusions
• school suspensions
• rate of children with Education Health and Care plans
• Special Educational Needs Appeals - registered appeals per 10,000 of school population

Best place to live:

• percentage of children in low-income families
• rates of recycling
• CO2 reduction across Dorset

Local family help:

• number and rate of families receiving family help
• number of Family Hubs
• number of organisations engaged in the Family Hub network

Safe at home and in the community:

• rate of referrals
• rate of s47 investigations
• rate of Child Protection Plans per 10,000
• rate of Children in Care per 10,000
• percentage of Children in Care that return home to live with parents or other person with parental responsibility part of the care plan
• number of children at risk of exploitation