Hain announces Children's Fund

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Speaking during a visit to the Belfast Model School for Girls, Mr Hain said children and young people are to receive £61 million over the next two years to help them get the best start in life.

“This substantial investment in our children and young people will make a real difference, particularly for children living in disadvantaged areas.”

The Secretary of State said one of the major benefits of the fund would be the repositioning of schools as social hubs in communities across Northern Ireland.

He said: “Schools shouldn’t just be for pupils. With facilities such as computer rooms and sports fields they offer the prospect of so much more for their neighbourhoods.

“We need to extend their opening hours. I want to see schools offering themselves as the venue for an integrated package of education, health and care.”

The £61million Children and Young People’s package will fund a wide range of services, including pre-school provision, therapy, support for children in care and child protection.

It includes £10 million a year to allow schools to provide services like breakfast and homework clubs and after-school music and arts clubs.

Explaining his vision for how the funding could make a difference, MrHain said:

“The benefits of this funding package will extend well beyond the school gates. It will also provide counselling and youth services, enhanced services for children with special needs, youth workers and for very young children and their parents through Sure Start. The focus will be on learning, creativity and healthy lifestyles, including tackling obesity in children and young people.”

The funding, which will go directly to schools, will be made available year on year. It is targeted at marginalised and disadvantaged areas has six key elements. These will be underpinned by greater co-operation between Departments and their agencies to deliver more integrated services.

The package will include:

  • £20 million direct to schools for before and after school activities
  • £3.5 million for counselling services
  • £10.8 million for Sure Start including pre-school provision
  • £5.6 million for additional support for children in care
  • £1.7 million for youth outreach to marginalised young people
  • £4 million for child protection
  • £12.5 million for services for children with special needs and disabilities

In addition to the £61 million Children and Young People funding package, the Secretary of State yesterday announced £14.6 million to help support voluntary and community groups in their work with disadvantaged children.

For full details of the Children and Young People’s Fund see www.deni.gov.uk


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