Council has developed a draft Early and Middle Years Strategy 2022-2030 which aims to plan and prepare for family growth and the development needs of early years and middle years children.
The strategy provides direction for the development and coordination of services, programs, infrastructure, activities, and local community development processes that impact children aged 0 – 12 years living in Hepburn Shire.
Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie, said that it is well established that a child’s early years provide a foundational basis for their growth and development across their lifetime.
“Specific focus on the ages of 0-8 years enables early intervention to ensure each child receives the best start in life and no child is left behind. Council has included the middle years within this strategy, 8 to 12 years, as they are the years of rapid physical growth. Council recognises this is an important developmental phase of childhood when children need strong social and educational support systems,” said Cr Drylie.
The Early and Middle Years Strategy 2022-2026 outlines a vision where all children who live in Hepburn Shire get the best start in life and go on to reach their potential. The strategy also demonstrates Council’s commitment and highlights the support and investment to be provided to children and families to play and participate in their community, and to grow and develop at each stage of life.
“Council takes seriously its role in leading policy direction, coordinating and collaboration with partners, the provision of infrastructure and programs, advocacy and strengthening community capacity. To positively impact on the lives of our children, we must work with external partners to achieve our vision,” said Cr Drylie.
To have a say on the draft Strategy visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/early-and-middle-years-strategy-2022-2030
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