August 2007

With the school summer holidays upon us, spare a thought for parents who are constantly looking for things for their children to do.  It’s not just a summer issue, it’s a year round concern about access to safe, local and affordable facilities for young people.  It’s a priority for people of all ages across our community.  It was the subject of a recent letter from Jenny, a Monkseaton student, the topic of conversation at an impromptu surgery whilst shopping in Morrison’s and a concern for residents in Whitley Lodge worried about anti-social behaviour.

The government can be proud of excellent investment in school sports and music.  Every school has benefited but too often superb school sports facilities are closed when the school is closed.  Worse still, tennis courts, which used to be available are locked up when improvements are made.  But it’s not just organised games – it’s about access to playing fields where jumpers – or is it hoodies? – are as good as goalposts.

Why can’t sports facilities be open out of school hours? We know some of the reasons.  Fear that a small minority will damage the facilities for the many.  Fear that in a compensation culture parents might sue the school if their child is injured.
I have taken up the issue with the local authority and in particular with the excellent Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning, Norma Redfearn.  Could youth leaders or wardens ‘police’ the play areas?  Could the money be found for an insurance scheme to cover the cost of damage or injury?  Bear in mind it’s not just good and healthy for children to play but the next Olympic Champion may be out there.  I am sure a way forward can be found.
 
On a related matter this summer the government is consulting on extending Gift Aid to junior sports clubs.  Put simply if sports clubs received the same tax advantage as charities then every time a child paid his/her subs to a sports club the government would top up the money.  The clubs would then get more to spend on kit, equipment or other sports needs.
If you want to have your say, on what I think is an excellent idea, then you can find the consultation at www.cascinfo.co.uk/giftaid/Gift+Aid+Survey.