The government has announced a £132.5 million programme to boost after-school clubs, ahead of an expected social media ban for under-16s. The funding aims to provide activities that keep children occupied and help them build new skills, such as music groups, engineering clubs, debating societies, and football clubs.
Ofsted to Assess Enrichment Offer
The Department for Education has confirmed that Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of its assessment of personal development. Ministers hope the funding boost will directly respond to the State of the Nation survey of over 14,000 young people, which found that despite being the most digitally connected generation, young people today face some of the highest levels of isolation.
Social Media Ban on the Horizon
The announcement comes as the Prime Minister is widely expected to introduce restrictions on children’s social media use in the coming days. A government consultation on the issue, which closed on May 26, received around 120,000 responses, with 90% of parents backing a ban.
Ministerial Statements
Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said: “Every child should be able to enjoy sport and the creative arts, not just the lucky few. Whether it’s performing on stage, playing sport, exploring nature or getting involved in their community, these experiences build confidence, spark ambition and help young people discover what they are capable of. As the world around our children continues to move fast, investment is about making sure the childhood experiences we truly value can once again be for every young person, wherever they live.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “I have always been clear that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. A child who loves the arts shouldn’t have to be born into the right postcode to pursue it, because we believe that Every Child Can excel in the creative arts. By investing in these life-changing opportunities, we are supporting their futures and delivering a positive step forward to break down the barriers for children and young people to access creative opportunities that could in turn open up doors for their long-term careers.”
