Content

15.1

This paper provides an update about our work
to develop a Belonging Framework.
 
As a reminder, we are developing a Belonging
Framework to drive change - so that everything we do is focussed on
developing and deepening children and young people’s sense of
belonging.
 
Children and young people’s views will
be central to the development of our Belonging Framework and will
be at the heart of all we do.
 
Belonging links to our strategic priorities in
the Sheffield City Council Plan 2024 – 2028, Together we get
things done. In particular, to the first priority outcome:
 
A place where all
children belong and all young people can build a successful
future.

 

 

15.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education,
Children and Families Policy Committee:-
 

1.    
acknowledges our update and endorses our next steps;
 

2.    
continues to be proactive in the development of the belonging
framework, including the proposed engagement plan;
 

3.    
notes that the development of the framework continues to be an
iterative process as we gain the views of children and young people
in ways that work best for them, and review and refine the
framework and next steps based on this; and
 

4.    
notes the continued intention for an ongoing conversation with the
Committee about belonging, including a further update presented at
the Committee meeting in Summer 2024.

 

 

15.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

15.3.1

A Belonging Framework will ensure that
everything we do is focussed on developing or deepening children
and young people’s sense of belonging. It will be designed so
that other parts of the Council and other organisations can review
and “attach” their contribution to belonging to the
framework.

 

 

15.3.2

Our approach to engagement and plans for
consultation will mean that we can carry out authentic consultation
with children and young people. It will also ensure that we can
fully explore Belonging with other stakeholders, listening to their
views and allowing us to develop other opportunities for engagement
as they present themselves.

 

 

15.3.3

Outcomes for the Belonging Framework will have
a qualitative and quantitative focus. They will be developed
iteratively through the process of co-production. These outcomes
may relate to individual experience, happiness, fulfilment,
purpose, stability and will relate back to our vision, however we
will be led by what children and young people tell us.

 

 

15.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

15.4.1

The alternative options are to consult young
residents on a smaller scale but more quickly or to use feedback we
have already received and not seek any more.

 

 

15.4.2

We do not recommend either of these approaches
given feedback from the Youth Cabinet which has informed our
approach and how vital it is to the development of a meaningful
Belonging Framework that we carry out authentic consultation that
reflects a wide range of children and young people’s views.
The volume of consultation that we anticipate will be achieved by
the Young Residents’ Survey, will give us a much wider reach
and in doing so provide feedback that reflects the personality and
diversity of the city.

 

 

15.4.3

When children and young people feel a sense of
belonging and sense of pride in their families, their peers, and
their communities, they can be emotionally strong, self-assured,
and able to deal with challenges and difficulties. This creates an
important foundation for their learning and development. Positive
messages about their families, backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and
languages help children and young people to develop pride in who
they are. These messages also give them confidence to voice their
views and opinions, to make choices, and to help shape their own
learning, development and future.