Children and young people across York and North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a new £400,000 Cradle to Career Fund, as David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire unveils plans to support young people from their earliest years through to employment.
Members of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority approved funding at a Cabinet meeting today (Friday 11 September), marking the first step in a long-term ambition to give every child and young person the opportunity to thrive, from birth through education and into the workplace.
The Cradle to Career ambition reflects Mayor David Skaith's commitment to ensuring children and young people across the region have the support, opportunities and skills they need at every stage of their journey.
As part of the first phase, two pilot programmes have been approved to strengthen support in the earliest years of a child's life.
One of the first projects to be supported is the globally recognised Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, the Imagination Library has become one of the world's best-known early literacy programmes, helping millions of children develop a lifelong love of reading.
Launching in Selby, families who sign up will receive a free book through the post once a month until their child turns five, helping children develop a love of reading and supporting early literacy.
Since launching in the UK in 2007, the Imagination Library has provided more than 7 million books to over 60,000 children.
The York and North Yorkshire Baby Box is a 12-month pilot in the Scarborough are,a helping parents access local services and supporting healthy child development. The boxes will contain a mix of developmental toys and books, practical items such as thermometers, and information booklets for parents/carers on topics such as reading, safe sleep, and weaning. It is based on similar schemes running in Finland.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“As a father of two young children I know first-hand the joy, challenges, and anxieties that come with welcoming a new life into the world. The original Finnish Baby Box has supported families in Finland for over 75 years, and I am proud to have the opportunity to bring this successful and established initiative to the county. I hope that new families across the Scarborough area will feel the benefit of the items and resources in their boxes.
“The Imagination Library is perhaps Dolly Parton’s greatest legacy, and I’m pleased that children in Selby will have the chance to take part in the programme, receive their free books and improve their literacy skills.”
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said:
“This new funding is extremely welcome as it will help to give children and young people in North Yorkshire the best possible start to their lives.
“Both of the pilot projects are aimed at doing just that, improving literacy for children from an early age and giving parents and carers vital information and access to local services.
“We are committed to working within the combined authority to make sure that all of our children and young people can get the support they need, helping them to fulfil their full potential throughout childhood and as they then embark on their careers.”
The ambition for Cradle to Career will also cover primary, secondary and post-16 education ages, including careers days, career hubs, apprenticeships and internships in areas such as teaching, construction and STEM-based subjects.
The initiative supports the Mayors priority of creating Healthy and Resilient Communities by improving outcomes for children and young people, helping them to thrive throughout education and into employment.
