CHILDREN and young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in West Sussex are being urged to ‘Go4it’ and take part in a wide range of after school activities.

West Sussex County Council Extended Services programme has received Government funding to ensure children and young people can take part in a wide range of additional activities they may not normally be able to afford, including:

· Study support
· Arts activities such as dance, drama, arts and music
· Sports
· Visits
· Holiday activities and summer schools.

The programme, which has been branded ‘Go4it’, will be piloted this summer in Crawley, Durrington and Worthing, before being launched Countywide next April.

The Extended Services programme includes:

· Access to childcare and a safe place to be
· Out-of-school hours activities
· Family and parenting support
· Specialist support services
· Access to school facilities that benefit local communities

“The programme helps remove barriers to learning, and supports achievement and educational attainment,” said Anne Parkinson, West Sussex County Council’s Extended Services Lead Officer.

Henry Smith, County Council Leader, said: “Tackling deprivation and disadvantage in order to support achievement is a core focus of our Extended Services programme.

This funding is part of the drive to increase activities for all and narrow the gap in attainment and well being.”

Currently, 238 (83%) of West Sussex schools provide access to a wide range of activities, developed as part of the Extended Services programme.

“This funding will support schools to provide and commission an exciting range of activities for children and young people.

“It will help subsidise access to these opportunities for disadvantaged children, young people and children in care who through economic circumstances would not be able to afford to participate,” said Henry.

Anne added: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to take part in new activities they might otherwise not be able to access.

“We’re sure schools will work closely with them to find out what they really want to do, and develop creative and exciting opportunities they will really enjoy.”

For more information about ‘Go4it’ contact Anne Parkinson on 01243 382457 or email anne.parkinson@westsusssex.gov.uk