Rural communities vary from remote, thinly populated areas to villageson the edges of towns. In some, traditional employment opportunities arein decline and offer poor pay and prospects.
Alongside this is the growth of home working and small scale, high-valueservice industries, aided by internet and mobile phone technology.Population decline in one area is matched by inward migration inothers.
To tackle rural areas' needs, local authorities need to "rural proof"local commissioning and planning decisions and not rely on establishedsystems. Many rural areas also fall within authorities with more urbanpopulations, so authorities also need to ensure emerging children andyoung people's plans have rural needs evaluated and supported by thelocal parents and children.
One innovative proposal to build the capacity of rural communities isCornwall Neighbourhoods for Change. With a wide range of communitypartners, it is seeking to develop the skills of local people andagencies so they can ensure the commissioning and procurement decisionsmade by local authorities meet the needs of rural communities. Theprogramme is developing four pilot approaches to rural services inPenwith, Kerrier, Carrick and Restormel. These will last for three yearsand the results will be disseminated nationally.
St Paul's Woodhouse Eaves primary school in rural North Leicestershirecaters for 200 children and has become a focus for learning in thevillage.
Since the 1970s schools in the area have been encouraged to developspace for community use within their buildings.
Community needs and priorities were consulted on and drawn together in alocal village design statement. Children were actively engaged andencouraged their parents to take part. This process has informed thedevelopment of services around the school. The extended school nowoperates from 7.30am to 10pm every weekday providing childcare beforeand after school. Learning, sports and arts activities are on offer tothe local community throughout the week as well as family literacy andnumeracy sessions. The school is central to village life and informationabout what's on is circulated in the parish newsletter.
Children's centres and extended schools have a crucial role to play insupporting children and families in rural areas. Ensuring that the needsof children and parents are met is even more crucial if we are to createsustainable, high-quality and responsive local services in thecountryside.
