A MAJOR project to drive up Barnsley youngsters’ education outcomes will see £1.6m spent on more support in order to leave ‘no child behind’.
The council’s Great Childhoods Ambition scheme follows the successful pilot of the Children’s University initiative in local schools, which showed ‘promising results’ in engaging pupils.
Touted as an ‘early years to teens’ scheme, it’s also set to boost chances of gaining employment upon youngsters’ exits from education.
Targeted support will be provided to those who need additional help or for struggling groups of children who, as a result, may be at risk of being excluded or disengaged from learning.
Improved GCSE maths and English support will form part of the plan, as will the expansion of the ‘Every Child a Coder’ programme, equipping young people with essential digital skills for careers in AI and automation.
Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We’re delighted to launch the Great Childhoods Ambition which is a testament to our commitment to improving the lives and futures of our children and young people.
“Barnsley is a place that fosters and grows ambition, and we want to make sure that everyone, no matter their background or starting point, can benefit from opportunities that help them to live productive and happy lives.
“The Great Childhoods Ambition will help us to achieve this by creating enriching experiences for children and young people to learn, grow and be inspired by the possibilities in Barnsley.
“It really does stretch from early years right through to teenagers’ exams, boosting their employment chances.”
Department for Education figures show disadvantaged children in Barnsley secondary schools received an average score of 34 out of 90 points for ‘Attainment Eight’ in 2022/23, while their peers achieved a much higher score of 48.
Disadvantaged pupils include pupils known to be eligible for free school meals in any of the spring, autumn, or summer terms.
The grades measure pupils’ performance in eight GCSE-level qualifications.
It’s hoped the additional funding will help bridge the gap while also improving educational for all children across the town.
Coun Trevor Cave, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, added: “At the heart of this ambition, we want families, communities and businesses to feel encouraged to inspire children to dream big and believe anything is possible.
“We’re passionate about building on our excellent foundation of opportunities that are already established.
“The ambition will incorporate upcoming and planned developments across the borough.
“This new dedicated funding will help us to increase support for those who need it so that no child is left behind.
“Our approach aims to improve wellbeing and ambition, enabling positive destinations for young people with improvements for attendance and attainment.”
