Children and Young People's Quality of Life Survey

Herefordshire Children’s Quality of Survey in 2021 helped to fill important gaps in our understanding of the experience of children and young people in the county, the first time in over ten years that such extensive countywide research had been undertaken. 

The results of the survey provided robust information to inform service redesigns, plans and strategies – including the new Healthy Child Programme and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-33, and are a key part of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).  Following on the success of the first survey the second survey was carried out in summer 2024 to update the evidence base. 

Over 5,000 children and young people aged from 8 to 18 in over 40 schools and colleges across the county participated in the 2024 survey, which has provided a wealth of information on a wide range of topics, including: 

• Community participation
• Drugs, alcohol and smoking/vaping
• Emotional health and wellbeing
• Healthy lifestyles
• Relationships and sexual health
• Safety, including bullying and online safety
• School and the future

The work was commissioned by Herefordshire Council on behalf of the Children and Young People's Partnership and was carried out by the Schools and Students Health Education Unit (SHEU).  All responses were anonymous. The summary report of findings of the 2024 survey can be found in the related documents box.