More than 30 schools and organisations across Cheltenham have committed to the No Child Left Behind community agreement - committing to working with families in a way that focuses on kindness, understanding and empathy.

Across the borough, 15 schools and 16 organisations have signed up to the aims of the NCLB community agreement. It means they agree to making sure services across Cheltenham are delivered with kindness at their core, taking into account families' individual circumstances and experiences. The agreement is determined to play a part in creating a brighter future for children and young people in Cheltenham, ensuring no child is left behind.

Cllr Flo, Clucas cabinet member for healthy lifestyles at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "We've seen extraordinary resilience and compassion during the pandemic. As part of the No Child Left Behind initiative, I'm delighted to see that so many have signed up to the NCLB community agreement which will see that support continue.

"Our Cheltenham families will know that advice, help, assurance and assistance is there for them. It will be offered through inclusive and compassionate environments, where they will be able to talk about issues affecting them, without judgement, and supported in a way that focusses on their strengths and helps them overcome their challenges.

"It might be that someone has a situation at home and is unsure where to ask for help or there may be an employer who wants to offer a fuller support package for staff. Wherever you see the NCLB community agreement mark, you know you can get advice and support with kindness at its core.''

Charlotte Blanch, head teacher at The Catholic School of St Gregory the Great, said: "We have signed up to the NCLB campaign as our pledge to work alongside our children and their families to support them in being the very best they can be, no matter what socio-economic class they're from and no matter what experiences they have had in life. We believe it is now more important than ever to work together as a whole town to understand one another better, build relationships with each other and recognise how we're all valuable cogs of the same machine, working together to do the very best for our children, the future of our town.''

Maria Allebone, digital and communication executive at Cheltenham BID, said: "We have always been a great supporter of No Child Left Behind and have signed up to community agreement because we want not only to see the business community do well, but would like to see everyone in Cheltenham thrive. It starts with our young people, these are our future entrepreneurs, hoteliers and retailers, as well as customers."

NCLB continues to continues to address the report which identified more than a third of the town's children were living in poverty. These children were statistically more likely to experience challenges such as school exclusion, lower educational attainment, poorer mental and physical health, and an increased likelihood of having social care involvement in their family.

The initiative has also launched a new website, designed to highlight the strengths and achievements of Cheltenham families and organisations, and to provide signposting and support.