Children's services principles

• children and young people's needs are paramount: their wishes and feelings should be listened to and actively considered
  
• emotional wellbeing is vital: children have the right to grow up in a loving, stable environment with positive and continuing relationships
  
• equality of opportunity and respecting diversity is essential: every child should have the opportunity and support they need to fulfil their potential
  
• inclusion is essential for all children and young people: policies and services will be sensitive to the individual needs and aspirations of every child and young person
  
• children, young people and their families are empowered: so they are able to participate at the level they want through consultation and involvement in the design, delivery and evaluation of policies and services
  
• children are safeguarded and protected: robust systems, skills and resources will be in place to support this
  
• high aspirations for all children and young people are encouraged: so that they have standards and pride in themselves and are enabled to promote and celebrate achievement
  
• involving the community to achieve lasting improvement: and enable communities to meet the needs of children and young people locally and in a way that can be sustained