AN inaugural Cradle to Career (C2C) conference jointly led by Court Fields School and Wellington Town Council brought together more than 80 local educators, professionals, employers, and community partners in a landmark show of shared purpose.

The event marked a significant step in the town’s collective ambition to build a fully joined‑up system of support for children and young people, from their earliest years through to adulthood and employment.

The conference reinforced the C2C principle that long‑term change can only be achieved when schools, services, and community organisations work as one.

Delegates expressed a clear desire to maintain momentum, with a number of cross‑sector commitments emerging.

The Wellington C2C steering group was encouraged by the level of engagement and will now co-ordinate the various strands into a strategic programme of work for 2026 and beyond.

Early feedback from attendees highlighted the value of coming together, the strength of local expertise, and the importance of sustained partnership.

The steering group will publish a summary of actions and next steps in the coming weeks and will continue working with partners to turn conference insights into long‑term impact for Wellington’s children and families.

Town council chief executive Dave Farrow said: “What stood out to me most was the genuine commitment in the room.

“This was not just a conference, it was a demonstration of what Wellington can achieve when schools, services, employers, and community partners come together with a shared purpose.

“As a town council, we are proud to be working in partnership with Court Fields School and others to strengthen support for children and families across the whole life course.

“The real success of the day will be how we now turn that collective energy into practical action.”

Reach Foundation’s Ed Vainker said: “The energy in the room, and the commitment to making Wellington the best possible place to grow up, was inspiring.

“To see so many different organisations, sectors, and leaders coming together gives me great hope and confidence in what can be achieved.”

Court Fields headteacher Polly Matthews said: “Tuesday's Cradle 2 Career Conference was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve in Wellington when we come together around a shared ambition for our children and young people.

“The energy in the room was inspiring, and the thoughtful, practical ideas emerging from every workshop showed a genuine determination to build a more joined‑up, more supportive pathway from early years right through to adulthood.

“I am immensely grateful to Ed Vainker and the Reach Foundation for their continued support and guidance as we shape our Cradle 2 Career approach.

“Their national expertise, coupled with the deep local commitment shown by our partners, gives us real confidence about the impact we can make.

“At Court Fields School, we are proud to stand alongside the town council and our many community partners in driving this work forward.

“The challenge now is to harness momentum and translate it into lasting, meaningful, change for the children and families of Wellington.”