No Child Left Behind launches Year of Education for All

· NCLB’s Education for All aims to help every child and young person achieve their full potential

Children and young people across Cheltenham will be at the heart of No Child Left Behind’s (NCLB) Year of Education for All, bringing partners together to better understand the barriers affecting attendance, exclusion and engagement with education.

The Year of Education for All was officially launched at the Cheltenham Literature Festival this month. The event brought together partners, young people and community leaders to celebrate the start of this important year-long initiative.

Young leaders from The Rock Cheltenham were among the speakers at the launch, alongside representatives from The Children's Society, members of the NCLB team and Councillor Jamie Jamieson. The event also featured a series of videos created by Springbank Community Group CiC, in which young people shared their experiences and views on education.

A recent report carried out in partnership with St Giles Trust found that education was the number one concern for girls and young women in Cheltenham, with almost 60% identifying it as their biggest worry. Young people also highlighted concerns about their future, mental health and wellbeing, alongside a need for greater support, inclusion and opportunities to shape decisions that affect their lives.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: "Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to make the most of their education and reach their full potential. We know that some face barriers which can affect their attendance and engagement with education, and that's why this year of action is so important.

"Over the next year, we'll be working with partners, families, children and young people to better understand those barriers, to see what more we can do to help and make sure children and young people across Cheltenham have the support and opportunities they need to succeed."

The launch marks the start of a year-long programme of activities designed to raise awareness, support children and families, and create opportunities for informal learning and development. Activities will include mentoring, literacy projects, support for school transitions, youth development opportunities and family-focused initiatives.

Faith Rooke-Matthews, director of operations at Springbank Community Group CiC, said: "It has been lovely to see how young people are being empowered to seek educational opportunities in ways other than formal education and the year of education will shine a light on this. The Cheltenham Literature Festival has given young people the opportunity to share their voices, marking the official launch of the Year of Action."

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No Child Left Behind launches Year of Education for All

· NCLB’s Education for All aims to help every child and young person achieve their full potential

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