Comment: Opportunity Areas programme

Commenting on the Opportunity Areas programme Gail Tolley, Chair of the ADCS Educational Achievement Policy Committee, said

“ADCS welcomes all efforts to improve educational outcomes of children and young people, particularly those living in disadvantaged areas. Children’s life chances should not be determined by where they grow up. The Opportunity Areas programme provided additional funding for local areas to adopt innovative place based approaches to improve children’s educational outcomes and it is positive to see that this has been continued via Education Investment Areas. Whilst there has been a number of worthwhile projects implemented during the programme, these will not have the desired lasting impact without sustainable, long-term funding. The programme demonstrated the importance of place based working and strong local partnerships and this must remain a central part of our collective efforts to help children recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”

ENDS

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