Scheme to offer children a better start in life

An initiative that hopes to lift children in the West Midlands out of poverty and improve their prospects has launched in Walsall and Birmingham.

The Cradle to Career programme, by charity Right to Succeed, has begun discovery work in Blakenall and Bordesley Green, and is due to be rolled out to four more wards in September 2026.

Work will include raising literacy levels, improving school attendance, giving better access to education and employment, and identifying family support opportunities.

The charity said 36 per cent of children in the region lived in poverty, the highest level in the UK.

Organisations that will be involved include local authorities, the mayor of the West Midlands, The Rigby Foundation, and the National Lottery Foundation.

"Every young person in the West Midlands should have the chance to get on in life. That's what drives me," said mayor Richard Parker.

"When we back our young people, we're backing the future of our region – building on their talents with strong support, education and care.

"Programmes like Cradle to Career are showing what's possible when schools, families and local leaders work together to open up opportunity for every child."

Steve Rigby, chair of The Rigby Foundation, added: "The future holds tremendous promise for our youngsters, and thanks to everyone involved, I know that Cradle to Career West Midlands will ensure that every young person in the region has the chance to thrive."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.