Section 3 - priority projects

Developing more things to do in safe places to be

Accountable Officer - Kevin Peers

Strategic Lead - Dillon Hughes

Key Links - make a positive contribution, enjoy and achieve, improving access
and transport, children with special needs

Lead Officer - Early Years and Childcare - Claire Rockliffe

Lead Officer - Extended Services in and around Schools - Philippa Court

Lead Officer - Youth Services - Dillon Hughes

This priority covers four main areas of activity:

developing and embedding the Devon Play Strategy
the offer of childcare 8am-6pm, 48 weeks of the year
a varied menu of out-of-hours learning activities, provided through extended schools services
positive activities as part of the youth offer for teenagers of things to do and places to go.

What’s the story?

There is a lot of overlap across activities for 0–19 year olds. Historically activities have been led by voluntary and statutory services, working in age-related groups. These are broadly:

early years
middle years
adolescence and beyond

There is a very rich offer in Devon and much good practice has been developed.
There are strong central and local delivery structures to build on in delivering childcare for 0–11 year olds and for the youth offer.

Access to positive activities enriches lives. It is provided by a large number of partners and in great variety. A high proportion is through the many different voluntary providers, and includes community activities which involve people of all ages. Access to positive activities for children and young people also supports carers and parents by reducing risky behaviours, offending, and unplanned
pregnancies. However, there is an inconsistent offer of activities across the county and not all children and young people have equal access, especially children with special needs.