Children & Young People Services Progress Report 2025
Argyll and Bute Council · 11 December 2025
Back to Community Services Committee — 11 December 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Community Services Committee Children & Young People’s Planning Partnership 11 December 2025 Children & Young People Services Progress Report 2025 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2023 to 2026 was previously approved by Community Services Committee. 1.2 There is a requirement in Part 3 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 to review the report annually and report on the performance and progress to date in delivering the outcomes set out in the plan. 1.3 The review considers progress in year two of the current plan, provides information on developments that have taken place since the plan was published and sets out key plans in the year ahead. 1.4 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee:- a) Note that Argyll & Bute Council are jointly responsible for children’s services planning along with NHS Highland through the Community Planning Partnership. b) Note the significant work of the wider multi-agency children’s planning partners including many third sector partners along with the Scottish Reporters c) Administration, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland. d) Note the progress indicated within the Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2023 -26 Year 2 review; and e) Endorse the review submitted to Scottish Government as per legislative requirement.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Community Services Committee Children & Young Peoples Planning Partnership 11 December 2025 Children & Young People Services Progress Report 2025 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This is this year’s annual review of the Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2023-2026. The attached report provides an overview of the performance and progress to date in delivering the outcomes we set out to achieve. 2.2 The review considers: - Updates on the 2023 – 2026 plan - Information on developments since the plan was published - Key plans for the year ahead 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Community Services Committee: 3.1 Note that Argyll & Bute Council are jointly responsible for children’s services planning along with NHS Highland through the Community Planning Partnership. 3.2 Note the significant work of the wider multi-agency children’s planning partners including many third sector partners along with the Scottish Reporters Administration, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland. 3.3 Note the progress indicated within the Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2023 -26; and 3.4 Endorse the review submitted to Scottish Government as per legislative requirement. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The year two review document is attached to this report .
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4.2 The report is divided across the key priorities contained within the 2023 to 2026 plan. Namely: o Getting It Right for Every Child Leadership & Communication o Early Help & Support o Mental Health & Wellbeing o Children & Young People’s Voice 4.3 The range of work being carried out by our staff and partners is illustrated throughout the review document. 4.4 The voice of young people is clearly evidenced and the aspiration of increasing this even further. The incorporation of UNCRC has taken place during the life of this review. 4.5 Core issues of poverty, housing and transport remain. Although not covered in the review report itself strained budgets and perhaps even more so, the ability to attract, recruit and retain staff are key barriers to elements of progress. Financial uncertainty is often most acutely felt by third sector partners. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 The Committee is asked to recognise the work being carried out by the Children & Young Persons Planning Partnership and to note the review report. Progress is continuing to be made on the goals set out in the 2023 – 2026 plan. The Committee can be assured work will continue on all aspects of supporting our young people. 5.2 The review report will be submitted to Scottish Government. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy There requires to be recognition of the impact of UNCRC incorporation across all aspects of the Council’s operations. 6.2 Financial None 6.3 Legal None 6.4 HR None 6.5 Customer Service
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None 6.6 Risk None 6.7 Climate Change None 6.8 Fairer Scotland Duty None 6.9 Equalities – protected characteristics None 6.10 Consumer Duty None 6.11 Island Communities In each aspect of the plan there is a requirement to ‘island proof’ our efforts. 6.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing The CYPSP is central to UNCRC efforts David Gibson, Head of Service Children Families and Justice Services/CSWO Policy Lead. Cllr McFadzean 28/11/2025 For further information contact: David Gibson APPENDICES Appendix 1 CYPSP Year 2 Review Report