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Calderdale Named Among England’s Top 25 Places for Children to Grow Up

Monday, 26 October 2026 at 06:10

Calderdale has been recognised as one of England’s top 25 places for children and young people in a new report from the Children’s Commissioner. The borough is one of just three local authority areas in the North of England to feature among the highest-ranked locations.

Calderdale Recognised as One of England’s Top 25 Places for Children and Young People

Calderdale has been named among the top 25 places in England for children and young people to grow up, according to a new national report from the Children’s Commissioner.

The recognition, announced on Monday 19 October 2026, places Calderdale among the country's leading local authority areas for childhood outcomes and opportunities.

The borough is also one of only three local authorities in the North of England to feature in the top 25 of the Children's Commissioner's Childhood Lottery report.

Recognition for years of partnership working

Calderdale Council says the achievement reflects years of collaboration between organisations working to improve the lives of children and families across the borough.

Schools, the NHS, council services, voluntary organisations and local communities have all contributed to efforts to strengthen support and improve opportunities for young people.

The council highlighted its commitment to early intervention, supporting vulnerable children and ensuring young people have a voice in decisions affecting their futures.

The recognition also reflects the importance of providing families with access to support before difficulties become more serious.

Council welcomes national recognition

Councillor Tim Holden, Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, welcomed the findings.

He said:

"We are delighted that Calderdale has been recognised among the top 25 places in England for children and young people in the Children’s Commissioner’s Childhood Lottery report."

Councillor Holden praised the dedication of organisations and individuals working across the borough to help children succeed.

He added:

"This reflects the dedication of partners across Calderdale who work every day to help children and young people thrive."

Supporting children and families across Calderdale

The council says its work has focused on several priorities, including improving access to early help, strengthening partnerships between services and creating better opportunities for young people.

Supporting vulnerable children and listening to young people's experiences have also been central to its approach.

Councillor Holden acknowledged that further improvements were still needed, but said the national recognition demonstrated the positive impact of the work already taking place.

He highlighted the borough's achievement in being one of only three northern local authority areas included in the top 25.

Commitment to further improvements

Despite the positive findings, Calderdale Council says it remains focused on improving outcomes for every child and young person.

Councillor Holden said:

"We are determined to build the work we do with partners, families and communities to ensure every child and young person in Calderdale has the best possible start in life."

The council says it will continue working with schools, health services, community groups and families to strengthen support and opportunities across the borough.

The recognition provides a national acknowledgement of Calderdale's work to support children and young people while highlighting the importance of continued investment and collaboration.

Source: Calderdale Council, 19 October 2026.

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