Newport school pioneering new approach to putting children first

Minister for Children, Huw Irranca-Davies visited Millbrook Primary School in Bettws to see first-hand the work the school is undertaking as part of the Welsh Government’s Children First initiative.

Children First brings together organisations to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people based around a ‘place’. A long-term strategic focus is developed with communities to address local issues, to reduce the inequalities faced by the children, compared with children in more socially advantaged places, and improve their life chances.  

In Bettws, that ‘place’ is Millbrook Primary School. The school acts as the hub for the Children First Pioneer area. The school has established itself as a children’s learning community and has a history of working in partnership with other statutory and non-statutory services to deliver better outcomes for children.  

A number of services are co-located on the school site, including Prevent social workers, Gwent Police, as well as services which are delivered under the Welsh Government’s Flying Start and Families First programmes. 

Minister for Children, Huw Irranca-Davies said:

“It was a real privilege to visit Millbrook Primary School today.

“As Minister for Children, I want to ensure every child in Wales is given the very best start in life. Whilst education is absolutely crucial to a child’s development, they often need services that go far beyond the classroom.

“That’s why the Welsh Government has developed Children First. It’s about putting in place, in one place, the services children, their families and the wider community need to succeed. 

“By putting children first, Millbrook Primary School are leading the way in ensuring pupils develop life-long learning skills and are equipped to reach their full potential, and are able to play their part in the Wales of the future.”