Children and Families Service Plan

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The Children and Families Service Plan for 2009 - 2012 (PDF, 510kB) sets out the direction for our service over the next few years. The plan is an ambitious one, because we believe in the pursuit of excellence in all our services. Our vision is for all children and young people in Edinburgh to enjoy their childhood and achieve their full potential.

We believe that children and young people do best when:

• they are able to live safely and happily within their own families with the right kind of support as needed
• they attend first class, inclusive schools and early years settings which meet their needs

We will do all we can to strengthen support for families, schools and communities to meet their children's needs.

Our mission is to place children, young people and families at the heart of our service and provide support when it is needed throughout childhood and the transition to adulthood.

Our strategic objectives are:

• Children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed 
• Children and young people are successful learners, confident individuals, and responsible citizens who make positive contributions to their communities
• Improve life chances, especially for those children, young people and families who are at risk
• Children and young people are physically and emotionally healthy
• Children and young people are protected from harm or fear of harm within their communities    
• Children and young people live free from poverty and we reduce inequalities
• Make effective use of resources

We have made great progress across a range of areas over the past year and our services receive very positive ratings from Edinburgh's residents.

Standards and Quality report

Each year the Children and Families Department produces a Standards and Quality Report summarising its key performance areas from the previous year. See the Standards and Quality report for 2008 (Word).