A new book is launched this week, celebrating the fact, that, the lives of children and their families on the Isle of Wight, are changing significantly for the better.

Produced by the IW Council, the book provides, an insight into how Children’s Centres along with Healthy and Extended Schools programmes, central to the government’s *Every Child Matters agenda, is increasing ‘well-being and life prospects’ on the Island.

The new publication. ‘Making the Difference Together’ is officially launched at Downside Middle School in Newport on Thursday 17th July from 6.30pm.

The celebratory book, which has been produced by Isle of Wight Council’s *Extended Schools Development Officer Matthew Bell, traces the Isle of Wight’s journey so far, exploring a diverse mix of projects and approaches. Copies of the publication will be made available to schools and local authorities around the country.

Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet member for Children and Young People Cllr Alan Wells said:

“The Isle of Wight is very fortunate to have some of the best healthy and extended schools programmes around, with many schemes here the subject of national interest. This new book will further reinforce our reputation on a national scale, and we should thank the many people involved at various schools on the Island that make the services happen”.

Professor Dame Patricia Collarbone, a freelance consultant and adviser to the Government and other agencies, has written a foreword and is delighted to be backing the publication.

Glossary of Terms:
*An extended school is one that provides a range of activities and services, often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of its pupils, their families and the wider community.

*Every Child Matters: Change for Children is a new approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19. The programme places better outcomes for children firmly at the centre of all policies and approaches involving children’s services.