Local Surveys

Using our Good Childhood Index, we can gather the perspectives of children and young people in your area on their subjective well-being. The survey can be used in individual schools and/or targeted groups such as looked after children or young carers. Each set of findings can then be compared with the national research, and can also build a picture of well being in a designated area. The survey also has the capacity to be used as a benchmarking tool that enables a school or service to assess the well-being of young people on an annual basis and to consider how interventions and actions can affect their well-being.

The next step sees us consult with children and young people to gain their perspective of the survey results and to amplify the findings. We can also consult with younger and disabled children rather than using the Good Childhood Index survey prior to local Conversation events but using different methods. The consultations, in tandem with the results themselves, are a key element of Good Childhood Conversations that we facilitate in local communities and for professional groups. 

We used this approach recently in Cornwall. Here the survey has been used by four secondary schools and involved over 1,000 young people. The follow up consultation with the young people added some clear illustration of the findings and clarified the results. Good Childhood Conversations in the communities around those schools then brought parents, elected members, teachers and other professionals together to consider the outcomes and plan for local actions.

The combined results of all schools identified some key differences between young people in Cornwall and those surveyed in our national research. It also showed local leaders and parents clear actions that they could take to help improve the children in the area’s well-being. 

The plan is to continue the process so that a comprehensive picture of well being in the county can be developed. The results will be shared with local communities with the intention of encouraging local responses and action.

The consultations with young people and local Good Childhood Conversations are conducted by our Good Childhood Team with an emphasis on providing a platform for action and reflection. If you’d like to know more about the Index or the Conversations, please contact the team.