Growing up in the Wakefield district
4
The facts
• There are 72,893 children and
young people in the district
• 10% of children and young
people have a language other
than English
• We have the smallest ethnic
minority population in West
Yorkshire at 7% of the total
population
• 17% of children and young
people aged under 16 live in
low-income families
• It is estimated that 30% of
children are living in poverty
• 23% of children and young
people are eligible for free school
meals
• 22% of workers in the district
are in the lowest grade
occupations
There are:
• 113 primary schools
• 18 secondary schools
• 4 special schools
• 3 nursery schools
• 3 pupil referral units
• 2 further education colleges
• 66 private, voluntary or
independent nursery settings
• 218 Child Minders
Successes in children's health
Challenges in children's health
Infant mortality is
decreasing
Immunisation rates
are above the national
average
Dental health is
improving
Fewer women are
smoking during
pregnancy
Rates of childhood
obesity are increasing
More children are being
admitted to hospital
with injuries
Rates of children
achieving good levels of
development are low
Mental Health services
are an increasing
priority