'Youth Matters' and culturedelivering Change for Children engage international conference Arnolfini, 18 November 2005

Rhiannon JohnsMuseum Development Officer, SWMLAC

Martin ThomasHead of Learning, Arts Council England South West

Amber WallsDevelopment Co-ordinator, en-vision

Introduction

• policy context

• case study

• discussion group

• feedback

The Children Act (2004)5 overarching aims for children to:

• be healthy

• stay safe

• enjoy and achieve

• make a positive contribution to society

• achieve economic well-being

Children and young peoples lives:‘Change for Children: Every Child Matters’

Outcomes, priorities and activities

- Cultural Hubs 2005/08

(ACE/MLA/LEAs)

- Literature Matters (ACE/MLA)

- Sure Start activities

- Race Equality Scheme (ACE)

- Diversity action plans (MLA)

- Information literacy

- PAYP (multi-agencies)

- Work with Children’s Trusts

- Regional arts and health forum

- Arts and health audit

- Grants for the arts (ACE)

Raising school standards

Improving the quality of life

Enjoying and achieving

Creating safer and stronger communities

Young people at risk

Staying safe

Promoting healthier communities

Being healthy

Outcomes, priorities and activities

- Creative industries

- Artists Time Space Money

(ACE)

-M/L/As in local communities

- Culture at the heart of

regeneration (DCMS)

Promoting the economic vitality of localities

Transforming local environment

Economic

well being

- Arts Award (ACE)

- Artsmark (ACE)

- Youth arts panels/forum

- Volunteering opportunities

- Creative Partnerships (ACE)

- Renaissance museums (MLA)

Making a positive contribution

Safer and stronger communities through cultural activity

‘Youth Matters’ (2005) expresses the desire that young people have…

more things to do and places to go in their local area, and more choice and influence over what is available

more opportunities to volunteer and to make a contribution to their local community, building on the work of the Russell Commission

better information, advice and guidance about issues that matter to them, delivered in the way they want to receive it

better support when they need extra help to deal with a problem

‘Youth Matters’ (2005) early findings… safe and enjoyable spaces for young people: arts marketing was

viewed as poor. YP keen arts venues should advertise on television, use MSN; cited negative stereotyping of museums and libraries as barrier

voluntary work viewed positively: YP feel valued when they are able to help others, and opportunities are considered useful for future career prospects. They were clear that involving YP in communities, projects, buildings = make them feel proud and more respectful of public spaces

valued idea of certificates and awards, recognising that they could assist them in finding careers better support when they need extra help to deal problem

face-to-face advice was the most useful; existing services sometimes over formal and intimidating

generally positive about Opportunity Cards but challenged use of money (invest in better activities and choice, not gimmicks)

DCMS 5 year strategy

Everyone ‘experiencing culture’ ‘Creative Sparks’/ ‘Discover’ for children and young

people Links between sustainable communities and

culture and creativity Cultural Hub pathfinders in 3 regions CPA and Local Area Agreements: more emphasis

on culture for local government Profile and prestige: international programmes; inc

digitisation      Listening to users/non-users/potential users

DfES 5 year priorities Personalisation and choice: children's services,

parents and learners at the centre

Opening up services to new and different providers and alternative ways of delivering services

Freedom and independence for frontline head teachers, governors and managers. Clearer accountabilities; streamlined funding arrangements

Commitment to staff development, support and training to improve assessment, care and teaching

Partnerships with parents, employers, volunteers and VOs to maximise life chances for all

Schools White Paper, autumn 2005'School trusts‘: governance, determination, transition (LEA to independence)

Better outcomes for every child: vision is a tailored offer for every child. Personalised learning, reinforced by focus on health and behaviour

School Improvement Partners will hold schools to account for progress

strong impetus to schools to engage with parents and respond to views

Children’s Information Services will give parents information about children’s services locally and advice

Parents offered information sessions when child starts primary or secondary schools [advice on issues inc bullying]

schools will receive advice and support to meet the aspirations of socially excluded pupils, BME parents and pupils

• Sharing information about vulnerable children: Schools working with

other children’s services and new Local Safeguarding Children Boards to

share information about children at risk and act to ensure their safety.

HMG to consult on new duty on LAs to identify children missing education

• Children’s Trusts to offer more effective help for problems. A Common Assessment Framework piloted - Simple common tool to identify

additional needs and early intervention 

• Schools working in partnership: LAs to consult schools about Children

and Young People’s Plan, schools to work with CYPP in creating School

Development Plans

• LAs to commission rather than provide education, put children/families at

heart of the design and delivery

Operating contextLocal Area Agreements

Summarise ODPM guidance and four shared priorities

Wider context, affecting regional agencies and cultural organisations

Expectation of local government: changes in user patterns; funding pressures on local authorities

Govt Office internal restructuring of DfES associates and advisors

Local Authority Partnership Agreements informing LAAs

Cultural and creative agencies

− Core is about expanding and improving on the (DCMS) cultural

offer; consultation and evidence base to inform future plans

− Cultural and creative partners working together to ensure

momentum (GOs; regional cultural consortia)

− Children, young people & the arts;Young people at risk (ACE)

− Arts Award, Artsmark and other ‘offers’ (ACE)

− ‘Young People & Creativity’ internal papers propose models for

embedding CP, delivering offer, managing change (ACE/CP)

− Measuring learning/social outcomes (MLA)

Cat Cairn: The Kielder Skyspace by James Turrell Photographer: Mark Pinder

Thank you

martin.thomas@artscouncil.org.uk