What's next?
Our vision
Building a sustainable child friendly city founded upon the youth, diversity, and talent of our residents. Nottingham is England’s youngest city, with 39% of the population under 24 years old and 20% under 15 years old. As we move beyond our initial action plan toward UNICEF Recognition in March 2026, we are committed to a future where every child and young person is heard, healthy, feels safe, belongs, is valued, and is prepared for the future.
Our approach
A Culture of Children’s Rights and delivery through a Child Rights-Based Approach (CRBA). We are creating a culture that actively integrates the voices of children into planning, service delivery, and commercial activity. Over the next three years, our Sustainability Plan will ensure that the 7 principles of CRBA frame our decision-making, interactions, and service design across the city.
key priorities and actions
1. Child rights education
Roll out mandatory Child Rights e-learning for City Council staff and partners.
Implement a "Train the Trainer" model to create experts within directorates.
3. Children's Voice
Perception Surveys
Conducting an annual survey (building on a baseline of 1,100+ responses) to track children’s views and perceptions.
Child Friendly Planning
Giving children a direct voice in urban design and placemaking.
Democracy
Establishing a new Local Young People’s Assembly and a SEND Assembly.
5. Equal and Included
Inclusion Charter
Developing a city-wide definition of inclusion and an Inclusion Charter.
INclude Service
Launching a new service to improve primary-to-secondary transitions, reduce permanent exclusions and increase re-integration into mainstream schools.
SEND Participation
Ensuring children with SEND actively shape the education, health, and social care services they use through co-production and representation.
2. A Child Friendly Creative City
Culture Rucksack
Expanding access to arts for schools, including Alternative Provision and home-schooled children.
Loud and Clear
Creating a youth-led cultural offer.
Nature Connections
Integrating the arts with Forest School provision and nature-based provision.
4. Thinking differently and Collective Impact
Business Alliance
The It’s in Nottingham Foundation acts as the backbone organisation, embedding child rights into the business community (2026–2031 business plan).
Common Goals
Aligning behind goals like Safe and Secure and Physical Health to deliver Collective Impact Model.
Consultation
Regular World Children’s Day events where businesses listen to youth views on transport, safety, and activities.