UK government announces £132.5m ‘Every Child Can’ programme

The programme will be funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme, which uses money from long-inactive bank, building society and other financial accounts to support social and environmental initiatives, while preserving the right of owners to reclaim their money. The funding will support activities delivered through schools, community programmes, weekend provision and holiday activities.

The government said the aim is to make enrichment ‘a common entitlement for all’ and to reduce the gap in participation between children who already have access to activities and those who do not.

The announcement sits alongside new benchmarks for schools and colleges, designed to help them offer high-quality enrichment across five categories: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; life and future skills including STEM, and sport and physical activities.

Activities cited by the government include music groups, engineering clubs, debating societies and football clubs. Leading figures from the different enrichment categories are also expected to be announced as ambassadors, with a role in encouraging participation and raising awareness.

Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of its assessment of personal development, while parents will be able to view local schools’ provision through new ‘school profiles’.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson 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.’

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said every child should have the chance to ‘find their spark through great art, sport, music, dance or drama’, adding that arts and culture should not be limited to ‘a privileged few’.

The government said the package forms part of a wider commitment to restore ‘lost childhood freedoms’, including investment in playgrounds, music hubs, sports partnerships, youth services, youth spaces and support for families.

The announcement also refers to research from the Education Policy Institute, which found that young people who participated in hobbies, arts and music clubs were significantly more likely to progress to higher education.

Further measures cited by the government include more than £500 million for a 10-year National Youth Strategy, £1 billion for school sport over three years, £1.5 billion for cultural venues across England during this parliament and a £22.5 million Enrichment Expansion Programme for 400 schools in some of the most deprived areas of England.

The Department for Education said it will work with schools, colleges and sector partners, including the Enrichment for All Coalition, to support implementation of the framework and assess its impact on attendance, engagement, wellbeing and achievement.