A PLAN providing a new commitment to improving the lives of children in Worcester and the wider county has received unanimous approval by Worcestershire County councillors.

The Children and Young People's Plan went before councillors at the authority's last meeting on Thursday, and councillors across the political divide approved the adoption of it.

The plan is a partnership between organisations and businesses setting a framework and expectations around the way all agencies work, focusing on key priorities for children from now until 2021.

This is all with the ultimate outcome of improving the lives of children, young people and their families, including keeping children safe from harm, ensuring they reach their full potential, make a positive contribution in their communities and live healthy, happy and fun filled lives.

Partners involved include district councils, clinical commissioning groups, emergency services, schools and training providers.

Last year the authority came under fire after the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission named the county as among the worst parts of the UK for social mobility. Councillor Fran Oborski, chairman of the children and families overview and scrutiny panel, at the time said the authority was badly letting down disadvantaged children.

Councillor Andy Roberts, cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, moved the recommendation telling councillors: "This is a multi agency plan, and secondly and even more important, it's a plan that's drawn up for children, by children, with children's involvement in every part.

"The most important thing is I'm asking you to support this but I'm also asking you to recognise what you are supporting.

"You are committing to listen to and understand children, young people and their families, find strengths and build on positives, doing things with people instead of to them, for them rather than doing nothing, and being brave enough to always do the right thing."

Councillor Marcus Hart said: "Education is a key part of this plan - references are made to education attainment for children across the county, we need to particularly ensure we do all we can so children in care achieve the best possible educational outcomes, and are not disadvantaged."

Cllr Oborski added: "As members we must aware that as a council we are not just signing up passively, we all individually and corporately have a responsibility to be actively involved in supporting the plan, supporting young people and particularly those for whom we are the corporate parent."

After the vote Cllr Roberts said: "We want children to have the best start in life including a supportive family and community network and good health, mentally and physically - the plan will help us achieve this."

For more on the plan visit worcestershire.gov.uk/cypp or email CYPP@worcestershire.gov.uk.