Call for schools to host youth groups during holidays
Joe Lepper
Monday, March 6, 2017
Schools should open their doors to youth groups outside of term time to allow them to combat social isolation among disadvantaged young people, a report has recommended.
Youth charity Futureversity said the move would help prevent antisocial behaviour and increase young people's engagement in school life during term time as well as boosting attainment levels.
It would also help reduce "food insecurity" among young people who are eligible for free school meals, by allowing youth groups to use their kitchens to provide hot meals and cooking activities.
An impact report of Futureversity's summer holiday activities at schools last year said: "When the school gates close a multitude of issues arise for those from more disadvantaged backgrounds which affects their wellbeing, learning and motivation and cumulatively, year on year, leads to an attainment gap Futureversity has identified as the 'educational blind spot'.
"This is a time when some children can fall behind their peers in terms of educational attainment partly because they miss out on many of the enrichment activities enjoyed by their more affluent peers such as sporting, cultural and learning activities, but also because their health and wellbeing suffers."
Futureversity's summer holiday programmes involved 150 disadvantaged 13- to 16-year-olds who were referred to the charity from schools and took part in activities two days a week, over five weeks.
All those taking part said they found it easier to settle back into school in September than in previous years. Three quarters said they were more motivated, 87 per cent said they were happier in schools than in previous years and 78 per cent said they had made new friends.
Futureversity chief executive Michele McKendry said: "Our work has shown that by keeping the doors open, and providing structured, fun learning opportunities for young people, we can have a hugely positive impact on the way they interact with each other and their sense of engagement in school.
"We see improved GCSE grades and ultimately, we see young people who dare to believe that they can achieve more."
The charity's co-founder and patron Rushanara Ali, Labour MP for Bethnall Green and Bow, added: "Helping young people believe in themselves and raise their aspirations can go a long way to tackling disadvantage and promoting social mobility.
"This report demonstrates the importance of providing continued opportunities for young people during the school holidays."