The government has unveiled a new national programme designed to ensure every child in the country has access to enriching activities, aiming to foster essential life skills and confidence. This initiative, titled 'Every Child Can', will be backed by £132.5 million in funding, ensuring that opportunities in areas like sport, arts, nature, and civic engagement are not limited to those who can afford them.
A core component of the programme involves introducing new benchmarks for schools and colleges. These guidelines will equip educational institutions with the necessary tools and advice to offer a broad spectrum of activities. These include civic engagement, arts and culture, nature and outdoor pursuits, life and future skills (including STEM subjects), and sport and physical activities. Leading figures from these sectors are expected to be announced as ambassadors, leveraging their influence to inspire participation among young people.
The 'Every Child Can' programme, funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme, will distribute its £132.5 million to support new activity programmes delivered within schools, as well as community initiatives, weekend activities, and holiday provisions. This structured approach mirrors the five categories of the new Enrichment Framework, aiming to create a consistent standard of skill-building and confidence development, irrespective of a child's geographical location.
Furthermore, Ofsted will incorporate a school's enrichment provision into its assessment of personal development. Parents will also gain greater transparency, with new 'school profiles' offering a central hub of information on each school's activities and offerings. This move is intended to break down barriers to opportunity and better prepare young people for the demands of modern life and future careers, complementing broader curriculum reforms.
This initiative directly addresses findings from a 'State of the Nation' survey involving over 14,000 young people. The survey highlighted that despite being the most digitally connected generation, many young people experience high levels of isolation. They expressed a desire for safe spaces, trusted adults, improved mental health support, and greater access to enriching activities – opportunities that currently remain unevenly distributed across the UK.