News
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Achieve NYA's Prestigious Participation Award
15 March 2011
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been recognised for its commitment to listen to the views of younger residents aged between eight and 13. The National Youth Agency has awarded its Hear by Advanced Level Award to the Council for its continuing efforts to involve children of this age group in decision making.
Children have been involved in helping librarians select new books for children’s libraries, designing adventure playgrounds and sitting on play centre committees that decide on new equipment, decoration and menus.
The majority of schools in Kensington and Chelsea have active school councils which have varying degrees of influence in decision making. Typical topics discussed by school councils include catering, school uniform, and playground redesigns; some may also meet with the Board of Governors.
Councillor Baroness Ritchie, Cabinet Member for Family and Children’s Services, said: “I am very pleased that the efforts and involvement of our young people have resulted in us being given this award by the National Youth Agency. Younger residents have their own views about the services we provide for them and it is important that officers are able to hear these.”
Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, added: “Embedding youth participation into the development of services is not only best practice, but vital to ensuring provision is relevant to local needs.
“Many congratulations to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for significant accomplishment, which demonstrates its commitment to actively engaging with young people.”