City schools say #YES to co-production

Two schools in Wolverhampton have been awarded #YES Co-Production Charter Status to mark National Co-Production Week.

Low Hill Nursery School and St Anthony’s Catholic Primary Academy been recognised for their commitment to co-production – the principle of working in equal partnership with people using services.

Co-production is a key part of the city’s Youth Engagement Strategy (#YES), enabling young Wulfrunians to have a direct say of decisions that affect them.

To achieve charter status, the schools had to demonstrate that pupils and families can participate in, and make decisions about, their own lives, as well as be involved in strategic decisions. They also had to provide evidence of how they support and embed the #YES Co-Production Charter within their schools.

Natalie Showell, Headteacher at Low Hill Nursery School, said: “I am delighted that our school has been recognised with #YES Co-Production Charter Status.

“We do a huge amount to support our children and their families in making decisions about their own lives in a holistic way and for this work to be recognised is wonderful.

“I am so proud of everything that we achieve as a school and as a wider community – and we look forward to developing our partnerships and working in co-production.”

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It is fantastic that Low Hill Nursery School and St Anthony’s Catholic Primary Academy have achieved #YES Co-Production Charter Status.

“These schools have shown that they recognise the importance of their pupils’ voices in decision-making, allowing them to have a say on decisions that affect their education and lives the most.

“By working to the charter, it means that we can all ensure that we are helping shape a brighter future for Wolverhampton together.”

The Co-Production Charter, created by the Children and Families Together Board, is a set of principles and promises which ensure young people and families are at the heart of decision-making.

Developed with young people, parents and carers, the council, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council and Wolverhampton Information Advice and Support Service, it aims to drive improvements in outcomes for children, young people and their families.

It is underpinned by the belief that children, young people and families are best placed to shape the services and support they receive and should be equal partners in the decision-making process.

To find out more about #YES, please visit www.youthengagementstrategy.co.uk.

Now in its sixth year, National Co-Production Week ends today (Friday). To find out more, please visit www.scie.org.uk/co-production/week.