Organisational background

Established in the 80s, 4Children sets sights high for children, young people and families believing that every child should have the chance to achieve their full potential and that every parent should be supported to build a better future for their family. 

Our vision has always been of dynamic opportunities and support for children throughout childhood.  In every area this support is now beginning to move into place. From the early years to teens – with a network of universal and joined up services for children and their families – and specialist support available at the earliest opportunity when needed. Supporting and maximising these opportunities to achieve real and lasting change is a major focus for us. Creating good local neighbourhoods like these for children to grow up in has always been a key priority for the organisation – providing the joined up support children, young people and families need close to home as part of everyday life. Translating these ambitions into reality is what 4Children is all about. 

In pursuit of this vision, 4Children is at the forefront of developments nationally and locally - highlighting and bringing to life the needs and aspirations of children and young people whilst delivering real change on the ground. From our national campaigning work to secure investment in the early years and young people to our growing portfolio of 4Children's Children and Family Centres and services in local areas, our work combines independent thinking and innovation but is always steeped in the real life experiences of children and families. Our knowledge, expertise and understanding of the challenges that children and families face mean that our support has never been so in demand. 

A crucial time

Children, young people and families have never been in the spotlight as prominently as they are today. From media headlines to public policy and legislation, the welfare of our children and the nature of childhood in this country have never been so scrutinised. Children and young people have moved centre stage, with a growing and renewed recognition of the importance of positive childhoods in our modern society.

All political parties have responded with unprecedented commitment to children and families. 4Children is actively involved in delivering these changes whilst continuing to push for more. 

A force for change for children and families

Children and young people are at the centre of all that we do with regular communication, consultation and involvement in decision making.  Our membership networks provide direct access to over 500,000 children and families with access to many more through our wider stakeholder networks.  The organisation’s strategic and operational approach is geared up to a responsive and high quality service which turns our “can do” approach into practice.  This complemented by our excellent position, relationships and senior contacts across Government, Local authorities, the media and beyond combine to provide a powerful force for change for children and families which we are keen to maximise.

4Children making a difference

Our policies and approaches are making a real difference:

• In 2002 our Millennium Childcare Commission called for a Children’s Centre in every area.  By March 2010 there were more than 3,500 Centres across England.  Our Shout Out for a Sure Start Campaign has been leading the way in calling for Centres to be retained despite tough funding decisions. 
• In 2007 we called for more investment in exciting and contemporary places for young people to go outside school.  The previous Government invested with a new “MyPlace” programme delivering world class innovative youth centres throughout the country – a programme continued under the Coalition.
•  In 2004 we called for joined up, integrated services for children and families 0-19.  This approach has achieved increasing salience.  In 2010 the Education Select Committee inquiry into Sure Start Children’s Centres praised the concept of 0-19 Centres and called for further investigation into the model. 
•  In 2009 the Family Commission – chaired by Esther Rantzen - hit the road talkng to 10,000 families about their life and experience in the UK today.  The report’s findings have been fed into the reviews undertaken by Frank Field MP and Graham Allen MP.
•  In 2011 4Children launched the Give Me Strength campaign which is already attracting support from across the political spectrum for its message about the importance of strengthening families and the importance of early intervention. 

Turning policy into practice and real help for children and families is also a core element of what we do:

• 4Children is commissioned by Government departments and Local Authorities to help deliver the joined up services of children’s centres, extended schools, youth activities and health. 

• In 2011 we were appointed as the Department for Education’s Strategic Partner for Early Years and Childcare.  This means that we now work closely with the department ‘co-producing’ policy on this key area of Government priority. 

• Over recent years we have also begun to turn our policy into practice now running our own 41 children’s centres as well as a growing number of other family and youth services.  We are growing fast and will continue to expand.

• 4Children is commissioned by the RAF Benevolent fund to run childcare and youth services on every RAF base in Great Britain.

Our ambition is to build on these gains and maximise these opportunities to offer every child the support and life chances they deserve. 

Our vision for the future is of a country with the needs of children and families at the top of the policy agenda.  From local communities, planning and parks to financial help, support for vulnerable children and help to prevent problems becoming crises, we know there is much to be done.   We have the passion, understanding and experience to help deliver these solutions.  We know they will make a real difference.