No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a community-wide, Council backed initiative to tackle problems like child poverty, school attendance, mental health and youth safety. Nearly 4500 Cheltenham children are affected by issues like these.
We chatted with Tracy Brown, Council Safeguarding and Partnerships Manager, about the vital role it plays in helping less fortunate children and families in Cheltenham. (She is on the right in the picture above)
Tracy was initially involved in the town’s holiday activity programmes, joining the Council after University.
With a strong interest in community and safeguarding, she was working with the Community Safety Partnership, when a needs analysis highlighted the extent of the problems mentioned above.
Despite its reputation for elegance and affluence, Cheltenham had not only some of the most deprived areas in the country but families here experienced worse outcomes than county average.
This inspired a new approach, and NCBL was born. It has now engaged over 100 partners—charities, schools, statutory services, and local businesses— all of whom have signed a pledge to work hand-in-hand with families.
Its projects include peer support groups, digital inclusion, safe spaces and community events such as the incredibly successful “Party In The Park.”
Tracy puts the effectiveness of the initiative down to its partner collaborations and how well it listens. A major focus is to understand the children’s points of view, with surveys and consultations shaping future initiatives. For example, a dedicated youth run social media channel is now being developed.
The distinctive NCLB branding has also played a big part in increasing recognition, engagement and trust. At the moment it’s very much a Cheltenham initiative, but a model that other areas up and down the country might do well to follow.
Local Businesses have a vital role
“These are our families and children, and everyone can play a part in helping them thrive.,” says Tracy. There is always more to be done, and she and the Team can always welcome more support. Sponsorship of events such as Party In The Park, of course, but if you can offer spaces, expertise, ways to spread the word or simply volunteer, it makes a big difference.
In an affluent town, the challenges can be harder. Parents may worry about being judged, for example. NCLB helps families be seen, supported and included. As one child said at NCLB’s Children’s Festival, “things like this make me feel I’m human too.”
