When exploring how they can best shape our future, policymakers have a responsibility to prioritise the needs of our most vulnerable asset: children. Too often, decisions affecting young people are made without directly involving them - a missed opportunity to truly get under the skin of the issues that impact them.

As Director of Education at Kibble, I’ve seen the transformative power of putting children’s needs front and centre of their care, policies and decisions that affect them. By working collaboratively across disciplines - education, social work, healthcare and mental health to name just some - and sharing best practices, we achieve better, more sustainable outcomes for children, their families, and society as a whole.

On November 11, we’re inviting professionals who play a role in the lives of young people to come together and share their insights about education, care and policies. By collaborating, we can better understand how to work for the benefit of future generations. Listening to children - particularly those from challenging backgrounds - is just the start. Engaging them not only gives them a sense of agency but ensures that the plans and policies put in place reflect their real experiences.

Their wellbeing is shaped by interconnected factors: education, mental and physical health, and social care. No single sector can address all of these alone. A multidisciplinary approach is essential. Educators, healthcare professionals, social care providers, and families must collaborate to support the whole child, not just focus on individual symptoms of the challenges they face.

A holistic approach not only keeps children on track academically but also supports their emotional, social, and physical development. This ensures they are thriving, not just surviving. The urgency for such collaboration has never been greater, as services become increasingly stretched and young people face complex issues like poverty and mental health challenges. Yet, we are not powerless and by sharing best practices across sectors, we can make more effective use of limited resources and improve outcomes for young people.

For instance, trauma-informed teaching methods from education can benefit health and social care professionals working with children who have experienced adversity. Breaking down silos between sectors and sharing knowledge allows for coordinated, consistent support tailored to each young person’s needs.

Importantly, this requires a shift from a reactive, crisis-driven model to a proactive, preventative one. We need systems that catch young people before they fall through the cracks. When we get it right, the results are life-changing. I’ve seen children flourish when their education is tailored to their needs, mental health services are easily accessible, and social care is compassionate and responsive.

And while the benefits for them are clear, the wider social and economic advantages are substantial. Children who receive early, appropriate support are more likely to succeed in school, lead healthy lives, and contribute positively to society as adults.

The call to action is clear: children must be at the heart of the policies that shape their lives. We must work together - across disciplines and sectors -to ensure they receive the holistic support they need. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can give every child the best chance at a bright future.

Jackie Swan is Director of Education, Kibble

Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk