Our aim is to see every child and young person in Swindon put first and empowered to thrive.
Download the Child First Manifesto Here
The 4 Core Principles
As Children
Putting children’s needs rights, and potential first. Everything focuses on the child; understanding how they grow, acknowledging any barriers, and making sure responsibilities to children are met.
Building A Pro-Social Identity of Belonging
Promoting children’s strengths to help them build and identity of belonging, leading to safer communities. All work is about building strong relationships, helping children reach their potential, and encouraging them to make good choices for the future.
Collaborating with Children
Encouraging children to get involved, engage with others, and be part of their community. All work is about meaningfully working together with children and their families.
Diverting from Stigma
Focussing on preventing problems before they happen, finding alternatives to formal discipline, and stepping in only when absolutely necessary. The goal is to avoid labelling young people or making them feel like negative behaviour or actions are part of their identity.
Case Studies
The Base youth centre
The development of The Base youth centre in Swindon highlights how the Child First Practice Framework can be outworked effectively through child-centred design and an inclusive approach. Co-created with local young people, it fosters positive relationships and prioritises their voices in decision-making. The space supports participation, creativity, and safety, reflecting a commitment to seeing children as an essential part in community development. Collaborative partnerships with the local youth charities (SMASH, STEP and WAY), Swindon Borough Council, schools, community leaders, and families reinforce holistic support. By empowering children and promoting pro-social opportunities, and strength-based initiatives, The Base advances their wellbeing, development and self-belief.
Beacons of Hope
The Beacons of Hope project demonstrates how Child First principles through meaningful participation, as 22 young people co-designed and painted murals reflecting their lived experiences. It promoted diversion by engaging youth in creative, constructive activities, reducing reoffending risks. Strengths and capabilities were spotlighted. Collaboration was central, uniting health, youth justice, and community services to co-produce not just art but a digital support page. Together, these actions empowered young people to shape positive futures, turning personal adversity into community impact through hope, visibility, and voice.
Find Out More
Child First Commitments
Acknowledging all children
Meeting basic needs
Respecting and treating equally
Using sensitive language
Recognising individual needs
Supporting all health
Respecting names and preferences
Listening without judgement
Valuing character and strengths
Partnering and collaborating
Encouraging all talents
Providing more opportunities and earlier
Find out more about the commitments in the Child First Manifesto Here
Child First Application
Become ‘Child First Committed’ and join organisations across Swindon, working together to outwork the Child First framework and bring lasting change to the lives of children across Swindon.
Complete the application form below to join the network and have access to the ‘Child First Committed’ logo.
