Purpose

Bracknell Forest Council and its partners recognise the importance of having a clear strategic vision to strengthen and embed meaningful participation for children and young people across the borough. The draft Children and Young People's Participation Strategy has been developed in collaboration with young people. The draft strategy has now been subject to a period of consultation with children and young people, including those with SEND as well as professionals, other stakeholders and members of the public via the online survey. The feedback received has informed the final strategy, ensuring that it reflects the priorities and views of those it is intended to benefit. Approval of the final strategy is now requested to support its implementation across the partnership.

Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

APPROVES the Children and Young Persons Participation Strategy 2026-31 and action plan following public consultation.

DELEGATES authority to the Executive Director of People in consultation with the Cabinet member for Children, Young People, Education and Health to make minor changes to the action plan as the strategy progresses.

Reasons for the decision

Meaningful participation is essential to ensuring that children and young people have a genuine opportunity to influence the decisions, services and opportunities that affect their lives. The Participation Strategy provides a clear, partnership-wide framework for embedding youth voice across Bracknell Forest and strengthening how organisations listen, respond and act on the views of young people. By creating more inclusive and accessible opportunities for involvement, improving feedback and accountability, and ensuring that participation leads to visible change, the strategy will help build trust, develop young people's confidence and leadership skills, and support better decision-making across services. It also aligns with national expectations regarding children's rights and participation, ensuring that young people's voices are heard, valued and acted upon in a consistent and meaningful way.

Alternative options considered

No alternative options have been considered.