A bold new plan demonstrates how West Sussex County Council and partners are delivering on our priorities of keeping children and young people safe and helping them achieve their potential.
The new Children and Young People’s Plan for 2026 to 2029 outlines five key priorities designed to make West Sussex a place where children feel supported and able to thrive:
- Keeping children and young people safe from harm
Tackling exploitation, knife crime, and online dangers while creating safe spaces in communities.
- Providing early support for families in need
Expanding Family Hubs, parenting support, and holiday activities for low-income families.
- Reducing inequalities
Improving school readiness, supporting young carers and LGBT+ youth, and ensuring fair opportunities for all.
- Improving mental health and wellbeing
Faster access to mental health services and more support while waiting for treatment.
- Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Quicker assessments, more inclusive schools, and stronger family support.
The plan will continue to build on key successes achieved during the four-year period covered by the previous plan. These include:
- 10% reduction in the number of domestic abuse re-referrals made with children in the family over the past two years (Q1 2023/24 compared to Q4 2024/25)
- A 35% decrease in the number of children and young people involved in road traffic collisions
- Working with children and young people to create new online content to help young people to feel and stay safe
- Increased the percentage of education, health and care plans (EHCPs) issued within 20 weeks
- Improved online safety training and support to parents, including online and in-person events
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “We are ambitious for all our children and young people. This plan is about working together to make sure every child feels valued, included, and supported.
“It will help map out how we can further enhance services and support available to children and young people across West Sussex for the next four years.
“I’m delighted with the progress that we have made and continue to make. This was reflected in the praise received from Ofsted inspectors who visited us in November and found we are getting better outcomes for children in need of help and protection.
“We will continue to work closely with groups of young people, parents and carers, school staff, health workers, charities and local organisations to keep children safe and give them the best start to life.”
READ: Ofsted inspectors praise county council’s children’s services following focussed visit
Every local authority is required to create and publish a Children and Young People’s Plan.
The new West Sussex Children and Young People’s Plan was shaped through extensive consultation, including feedback from more than 275 young people, parents, carers, and professionals.
It will be monitored and overseen by the Children First Board, a partnership of local government, health, education, police, and voluntary sector organisations, all committed to putting children first.
WATCH: Find out more about the West Sussex Children and Young People’s Plan
READ THE PLAN: West Sussex Children and Young People’s Plan 2026 to 2029
Residents are encouraged to share ideas, support local youth initiatives and help spread the word about services available to families. For more information email [email protected]
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