Every Child Matters

Every Child Matters "Young Peoples Outcomes"

This event has seen the attendance of 250+ delegates from across the East Midlands region. It is evident that the work and values of the Army Cadet Force map very closely to the 5 Aims and Outcomes in the Every Child Matters initiative.

The Government's aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to:

- Be healthy
- Stay safe
- Enjoy and achieve
- Make a positive contribution
- Achieve economic well-being

This initiative is supported by developing adult youth partnerships in the local community and engaging with the needs and ambitions of today's young people and was the main theme of this meeting.

Delegates who visited the ACF information point were from many Counties in the East Midlands and from further afield. These included:

- Derbyshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Leicestershire
- Bedfordshire
- Rutland
- Northamptonshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Buckinghamshire

Keynote speeches were given by Heather Stevens, National Youth Agency (NYA) Director of Programmes and Lesley Longstone, Director General of the Department for Children Schools and Families DCSF.

Heather Stevens focus was on improving young peoples outcomes. This mirrored the opportunities offered by the Army Cadet Force in many ways and correlates with the Mission, Motto and Charter of the Army Cadet Force and Cadets as a whole.

Lesley Longstone provided an update on the policy directions and how the youth agenda is being taken forward. This detailed some of the underlying themes within the wealth of practice being shared at this meeting. Lesley visited the ACF stand and was very supportive of the work being done by Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Leslies daughter was a Army Cadet who has recently graduated from Welbeck College.

It is clear that the Every Child Matters initiative in intrinsically embedded within the values of the ACF. However, we know this is not new for the ACF as Octavia Hills vision in 1859 is not dissimilar to today's government aim and outcomes for children.

At that time, Octavia Hill was one of the most respected social workers. She realised that cadet training was of great benefit to young boys. As a result she formed the Southwark Cadet Company to introduce boys of the area to the virtues of order, cleanliness, team work and self-reliance.

Derbyshire ACF was invited to provide and information point and was attended by Lt Col Chris Young and Capt Pete Hurst. A significant amount of printed ACF literature was given which detailed the current opportunities for Cadets. This included the East Midlands ACF Magazine; Khaki Times, information on vocational qualifications offered through CVQO, adventurous training, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Army Proficiency Certificate and Outreach.