Every Child Matters
Every Child Matters (ECM) is an initiative (started in 2003) that is based on the belief that children's experiences greatly influence their outcomes and life chances later in life. It therefore aims to improve the wellbeing of children from birth to age 19 by lifting them out of poverty and improving outcomes for them and their families. Educational attainment in particular is considered to be a powerful route out of poverty and disadvantage.
The Government's aim is that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has the support they need to:
- be healthy
- stay safe
- enjoy and achieve
- make a positive contribution
- achieve economic wellbeing.
To achieve these aims, the Government has arranged for organisations involved in children's services (from hospitals and schools to police and voluntary groups) to work together and share information.
Every local authority is working with its partners, through children's trusts, to find out about the needs of children in the area. Children are involved throughout the process; their views are appreciated and used to form new initiatives.