Every Child Matters

Every Child Matters is a Government driven approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19. 

The Government's aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to: 

• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being

The five outcomes are universal ambitions for every child and young person, whatever their background or circumstances. 

The outcomes are mutually reinforcing. For example, children and young people learn and thrive when they are healthy, safe and engaged; and the evidence shows clearly that educational achievement is the most effective route out of poverty. 

Improving outcomes also involves narrowing the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. The Government is focusing particularly on improving outcomes for and children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities, and on reducing the incidence of teenage pregnancy and the number of young people not in education, employment or training. 

The government document Statutory Guidance on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Director of Children’s Services and Lead Member for Children’s Services states that "Schools are critical to ensuring every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Raising standards and inclusion go hand in hand and are key contributors to improving children’s well-being." 

It also talks to the extension of activities stating "The development of extended schools will provide enriching activities beyond the school day for school age children, as well as other extended services such as referral to a wider range of specialised support services...." . The government expects all schools to become extended schools by 2010. 

Schools under the inspection arrangements will be assessed on the contribution they make to children’s well being in the five Every Child Matters outcomes.

Farming For All provides external services and activities that support a number of the "Every Child Matters key outcomes" and works with schools to enable them to meet the inspectors expectations in the delivery of services especially in the areas of "Health", "Enjoy" and "Achieve and Make a positive contribution" outcomes for fully able children and for those with special educational needs.

To see in more detail the activities available and how we can work with a school to help deliver extended services that enable children to fulfil their potential in an inclusive and supportive way have a look at our dedicated Healthy Schools Support area