Children's community work:equal opportunities for every child

All children deserve a good start. In the neighbourhood, we work with families to create an environment where children can discover their talents, develop and have a say in what they consider important. The children's neighbourhood work helps with a listening ear, practical support and a strong network.

What exactly does children's neighbourhood work do?

Child neighbourhood workers are committed to creating a strong, opportunity-rich living environment for children in Lelystad. They work with families, schools and neighbourhood partners to:

Equal opportunities for every child, regardless of background or home situation.
Participation: children are actively involved and their opinions count.
Talent development, in and out of school.
After-school activities that match children's experiences.
Room for initiative: ideas from children and parents are taken forward together.

Our children's neighbourhood workers have an active presence in the neighbourhood and are easily accessible. Parents can come to them with questions about parenting, development or leisure. Children are given the space to discover what they like, what they are good at and how to realise their ideas.

Together, we look at what is needed for a child to thrive. At school, in the neighbourhood and at home. Always with a view to independence, engagement and growth.

Strong together: how we work together in the neighbourhood

Our children's community workers work from the School and Environment programme in Lelystad East, a collaboration between primary schools, welfare, sports and culture. The three primary school boards, arts and culture centre Kubus and Sports Company Lelystad are also partners. School and Environment is part of Samen Lelystad Oost. This is a programme to make Zuiderzeewijk, Atolwijk, Boswijk and Waterwijk stronger and nicer places to live.

In the Zuiderzee neighbourhood, for example, they work together with:

Three primary schools (Laetare, De Vuurtoren and Ichthus) , in order to connect well with what is going on at school.
Neighbourhood organisations such as Stichting Mila and neighbourhood association De Joon so that children can participate fully outside school.
Professional service providers such as JGZ (youth health care) and MDF (Maatschappelijke Dienstverlening Flevoland). To quickly find the right support when needed.

Such cooperation ensures that children and families do not have to tell their stories over and over again, and that help is aligned. So as a parent, you get quicker clarity and tailored support, while you stay in control of what happens.

Children's District Council

The children's neighbourhood workers help children participate in thinking about the city. The venue for this is the children's neighbourhood council. The Zuiderzee children's neighbourhood council dreamed of a playground for older children and this idea was approved during the Lelystad municipality's Children's Ideas Market.