Helping our children thrive - Telford & Wrekin Council launches “Ten by Ten” initiative
Telford & Wrekin Council is the first council in the UK to launch the “Ten by Ten” initiative, following today’s (17 March) approval by Cabinet.
The “Ten by Ten” initiative is set to start from April this year and will encourage and enable all borough children to take part in ten life-enhancing activities by the time they are ten, in particular children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The ten ambitions that the council has for every ten year old (or younger) in Telford and Wrekin are for them to have the opportunity to:
1.Join in competitive sports
2.Play an instrument
3.Learn to swim
4.Take part in drama and performing arts
5.Visit the seaside and the countryside
6.Experience museums, galleries and heritage sites
7.Take part in camping trips and overnight residential
8.Learn to ride a bike
9.Take part in debating
10.Use a library
Council Leader Shaun Davies said: “As a council we are ambitious for our young people and this is another way in which we are helping our children have a great start in life!
“We are delighted to be the first in the UK to launch the “Ten by Ten initiative” locally and help our children thrive, especially those that might not otherwise benefit from essential extra-curricular activities.
“Starting from April this year, the “Ten by Ten” initiative will make a diverse range of leisure, social and cultural activities as accessible as possible to all our children in Telford and Wrekin, regardless of their family, cultural or health background.
“A happy and fulfilling childhood gives the best start in life, and this is what we are committed to providing to every single child in our borough.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Labour), Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, added: “Learning to swim and ride a bike, playing a musical instrument, visiting museums and heritage sites, taking part in drama and performing arts and many other activities can be eye-openers for our children and set them up for new life opportunities.
“We want to ensure no child in our borough misses out on these opportunities during their primary school life, especially children less likely to take part (such as children from disadvantaged backgrounds, with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or children in care).
“By working with parents and carers and a range of local partners (such as schools, community providers, charities), the council’s led “Ten by Ten” initiative will expand the wealth of extra-curricular activities in our borough and ensure many more children have the opportunity to actively benefit from them during their childhood.”
Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet report on the “Ten by Ten” initiative can be viewed from later today (17 March) on the council’s website.
If you want to receive future updates about the “Ten by Ten” initiative, you can subscribe to the “Ten by Ten” newsletter.
