Bradford Children and Young People's Partnership

Local Context

The Bradford District is diverse and vibrant with:

A beautiful rural environment
The fastest growing major urban population in the UK
The third largest concentration of manufacturing and tenth largest concentration of "advanced" manufacturing in the UK
An impressive built heritage including a world heritage site at Saltaire
Strong and vocal communities who care about their local areas
A high level of participation by individuals and communities as volunteers and holders of public office
Rich and diverse cultural traditions and festivals
A University with a national and international reputation for scientific research, work on conflict resolution, graduate employment and widening participation
Entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to the district's future
Sports teams which inspire committed and passionate support

The population is 485,000 (2005 estimate Office for National Statistics). 80% of the population live in urban areas but 66% of the District is rural in character. 24.3% of the population are from an ethnic minority background. 26% of the population is aged between 0 and 17. 34% of 0-17 year olds are from an ethnic minority background. Bradford has the third largest population of under 16s in any UK city outside London and is the fastest growing metropolitan area outside London. (Yorkshire and Humber Population Projections September 2006).

A population study led by the Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust indicates that population projections for the female fertile population will rise by 12.6% from 2004 to 2022, in contrast with England overall where figures in the study period remain flat. This will increase demand for services for pre school children, maternity care, health visitors primary care, screening and immunisations.

The Council and Bradford's Local Strategic Partnership, Bradford Vision, are committed to making Bradford a family friendly district, with communities where people want to live and bring up children. However there is a real challenge to improve outcomes in terms of child development, health, education, crime and social care and to reduce disparities in life chances across the district.