Nottingham has officially received a ‘green rating’ by UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), marking a major milestone in its journey to becoming recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City.
The rating follows a progress review in May 2025 and recognises the city’s strong partnership working and innovative community projects.
Becoming a Child Friendly City means embedding children’s rights into local decision-making and creating a city where every child feels safe, valued and able to influence the world around them.
UNICEF UK told the Council that the depth and strength of the partnerships across Nottingham are impressive and show clear progression.
As part of Nottingham’s effort to receive the Child Friendly City title, the Council’s Electoral team has engaged children and young people in raising awareness and involvement in democracy, electoral registration and voting, the Council’s Public Health team has involved young people in the design and co-production of the Not Alone website, along with including children in the design and re-opening process of the Victoria Embankment Paddling Pool.
Councillor Cheryl Barnard, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “I’m delighted to see the progress that Nottingham is making on our journey to becoming a Child Friendly City. Achieving the green rating from UNICEF UK is another step forward for us to getting the final recognition stage.
“It’s so important that as a city we include our younger generations in projects and put their voices at the heart of what we do. This work truly reflects the partnership, innovation and commitment of all who are involved.
“I look forward to seeing this momentum continue as we move towards full Child Friendly City status and continue building a city where every child feels safe, valued and heard.”
The project is a city-wide partnership with organisations including partners from the statutory, business and voluntary sectors.
Naomi Danquah, Child Friendly Cities & Communities Programme Director, UNICEF UK, added: “This partnership represents a bold commitment from Nottingham City Council and their partners to put children’s rights at the heart of everything they do – from early conversations around children’s spaces and services in Nottingham, to the day-to-day running of those services.
“The recent progress review has been a positive showcase of work taking place across Nottingham city. The progress review meeting itself further reiterated that strong multi-agency partnership working across the city is a consistent strength for Nottingham.”
“We’re excited to see this partnership make a real and lasting difference to children’s lives in Nottingham.”
Nottingham is one of nine UK cities currently working towards this recognition.
The anticipated fourth and final review is due to take place in the new year.
UNICEF Child Friendly City aligns with the Council Plan and mission to renew the Council, deliver for local people and lead Nottingham forward by putting children and young people at the heart of service design, decision-making and city life.
Find more information on the Child Friendly Nottingham website.
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ENDS.