Publications

Since then we have consulted widely with children and young people and with partners in the public and voluntary sectors, and have now set out a clear set of shared ambitions for children that we would seek to deliver in the context of ‘rewired' public services.

Early help means providing support as soon as a problem emerges at any stage in a child's life. The aim is to ensure problems do not escalate to become more acute, and more costly, to the detriment of children and families.

When problems first arise in families, early help is not only beneficial for children but essential for making the best use of resources.

The lead member for children's services (LMCS) has a statutory role in ensuring the council fulfils its duty for safeguarding children; in partnership with education, childcare and health services, the police and communities.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a terrible crime with destructive and far reaching consequences for victims, their families, and society. It is not limited to any particular geography, ethnic or social background, and all councils should assume that CSE is happening in their area and take proactive action to prevent it.

As schools are given more freedom, it becomes more, not less, important that they are effectively held to account.

In March 2015 the LGA wrote to local authorities (LAs) inviting them to complete an online self-assessment about their plans to prepare for the transfer of commissioning responsibilities for 0-5 year olds from NHS England to local government on 1 October 2015.

Examples of how local councils support people with autistic spectrum conditions

Children and young people's mental health services and social care can help to pick up the pieces when things go wrong. But it is councils and their partners who can play a lead role in trying to ensure problems don't develop in the first place.

Local government action to tackle childhood obesity