New Parenting Strategy puts young people at heart of decision-making
Published: 26 November 2025
The Isle of Wight Council has approved a major overhaul of its Corporate Parenting Strategy, developed in close partnership with children and care-experienced young people.
The newly-developed strategy, now called “Caring Together: A Parenting in Partnership Strategy”, signals a clear ambition to listen deeply, act decisively, and care for every child as if they were its own.
It reflects the council’s commitment to working with young people, not just for them, ensuring their voices shape the services they receive.
Approved by the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee, the strategy sets out six co-produced promises designed to empower every child and young person in our care to achieve their fullest potential.
These promises are:
- Promoting educational aspiration and achievement
- Enhancing health and wellbeing
- Providing stable, loving homes through a strong network of foster carers
- Championing participation and voice
- Preparing for adulthood and independence
- Creating opportunities for growth and success
In an effort to strengthen accountability and leadership, each promise will have a named councillor acting as its champion to drive progress at the highest level.
In a progressive move, the council has also recognised care-experienced individuals as a protected group, tackling systemic inequalities and affirming a commitment to inclusion.
Councillor Paul Brading, Chair of the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee, said: “When a child or young person comes into our care, we take on a role far greater than administrators or service providers.
“We become their corporate parents, entrusted with their wellbeing, their future, and their dreams.
“Our ambition is simple yet profound, to provide stability, love, and opportunity, so every child can thrive.”
The new strategy will be supported by:
- Clear action plans with responsibilities, timelines, and performance indicators
- Comprehensive training for staff and elected members to embed corporate parenting principles
- Annual reviews and transparent reporting to track progress and outcomes
The Corporate Parenting Board will also be renamed the Parenting in Partnership Board, reflecting the council's collaborative approach.
Kay Jones, service director for children’s social care, said: “We are committed to providing every child with a stable, loving home, but we cannot do it alone.
“We need more foster carers to help us turn this vision into reality. If you can offer a safe and nurturing environment, you can change a child’s life forever.”
Find out more about becoming a foster carer today: email fostering.admin@iow.gov.uk or call 01983 823160.
Photo: Getty Images