The Isle of Wight Local Area Partnership has successfully achieved redesignation as a Youth Justice SEND Quality Lead, retaining its Child First Commendation in recognition of sustained excellence, innovation and system-wide commitment to improving outcomes for children in youth justice pathways, children at risk of offending, victims of crime and children vulnerable to entering the youth justice system. This award recognises not only the maintenance of high standards since 2024, but the significant strengthening of partnership arrangements, preventative pathways and Child First practice across the Island.
The assessment found a mature and highly effective partnership characterised by strong leadership, shared accountability and a relentless focus on ensuring that children are understood through the lens of need, vulnerability, strengths and potential. Child First principles are not simply referenced within strategic documents; they are fully embedded throughout governance, operational practice, workforce development and decision-making processes.
Effective practice is extensive and includes:
- A highly developed and formalised partnership between the Youth Justice Service, Statutory Assessment and Review Team, Speech and Language Team and wider SEND services. Comprehensive protocols, referral pathways and information-sharing arrangements ensure children receive timely identification, assessment and support.
- A preventative approach that is exemplary. The Youth Crime Prevention Service, Turnaround Programme and Young Futures initiatives work proactively with children who are vulnerable to offending, permanently excluded from school, at risk of exclusion or experiencing multiple adversities. This intervention occurs before offending becomes entrenched and reflects a genuine commitment to prevention rather than reaction.
- Weekly multi-agency Prevention Panels and Youth Joint Decision-Making Panels that ensure educational, communication, neurodiversity and vulnerability needs are systematically considered when decisions are made about children. SEND is embedded within decision-making rather than viewed as a separate process.
- Outstanding identification and support for children with neurodivergent profiles, speech, language and communication needs, autism, ADHD and other additional needs. AssetPlus screening tools, SEND checks, ADHD pathways, SEND protocols and close collaboration with partner agencies ensure that children’s unmet needs are recognised early and responded to appropriately.
- A workforce that demonstrates a deep understanding of trauma, neurodiversity, communication needs and Child First approaches. Extensive investment in professional development has ensured that practitioners possess the confidence and skills to adapt interventions around the child rather than expecting children to adapt to systems.
- Nationally recognised innovation through the development of Custody Passports, child-friendly court office and holding cell and other justice environments, with specific adaptations to reduce anxiety, improve communication and ensure children understand processes that affect them. This work has attracted interest nationally and is being shared as a model of good practice.
- Strong evidence of impact. The Isle of Wight continues to maintain first-time entrant rates significantly below both statistical neighbour and national averages, demonstrating the effectiveness of its early intervention and diversionary approach. Custody rates remain exceptionally low, with custody used only as a genuine last resort.
Particularly impressive was the partnership’s unwavering commitment to children who are vulnerable to entering youth justice pathways. The assessment identified a culture that actively seeks to understand the causes of behaviour, remove barriers to engagement and create opportunities for children to succeed. Whether through school-based prevention, restorative approaches, enhanced SEND support or targeted youth interventions, practitioners consistently work to prevent criminalisation and promote positive futures. This represents the very best of Child First practice.
The assessment also recognised the outstanding way in which the partnership balances the needs of children alongside the needs of victims and communities. Restorative justice, victim engagement and prevention are woven throughout practice. The Isle of Wight’s participation in national restorative justice initiatives, contribution to policy development and commitment to ensuring victims are listened to and supported demonstrates a sophisticated and balanced approach to youth justice.
Strategic leadership continues to be a particular strength. The Youth Justice Partnership Board provides clear direction, strong scrutiny and effective challenge. Multi-agency engagement is visible throughout the system, ensuring that services work together around the child rather than expecting children and families to navigate fragmented pathways. The transition to a strengthened Partnership Board and the Youth Justice Board’s recognition of the Isle of Wight’s progression further evidences sustained improvement and excellence.
This redesignation recognises a partnership that has not stood still since achieving the award in 2024. Instead, it has used the framework as a catalyst for continuous improvement, embedding SEND, neurodiversity, Child First and trauma-informed principles ever more deeply into practice. The result is a highly effective, child-centred system that delivers better outcomes for children, families, victims and communities alike.
Well done Isle of Wight Local Area Partnership!
It has been a privilege to review your evidence and recognise the significant progress that has been achieved since 2024. Your commitment to preventing offending, reducing victimisation, identifying and responding to SEND, and placing children at the centre of all decision-making is exemplary.
Others across the country can learn much from your outstanding and sustained practice.
The Youth Justice SEND Quality Award in its current format is in its last year of operation.
We hope you can join us in October at the AYM AGM.
A sincere and personal thank you from me for your participation and support.
Please find attached an official logo and a certificate (please check) that can be used as evidence of the Award.
Hearty congratulations and best wishes
Back to News- Share:
