Children and young people say they want more things to do and places to go, and more and better places to play. The importance of culture and sport in helping meet the needs of children and young people is reflected in the Change for Children programme of reform, including:

The Children's Plan	Sets out plans for reform of services for families, children and young people, including expanding safe places to play things to do places to go culture and sport in schools
Aiming high for young people: a ten year strategy for positive activities	A strategy to transform leisure-time opportunities, activities and support services for young people. It includes a programme of capital investment to improve facilities.
The extended schools prospectus	Sets out a core offer of services and activities that children, families and communities should be able to access through schools by 2010. The core offer includes sports and arts facilities and adult learning. Additional investment of £1.3 billion is available from 2008-2011 to expand the range of activities on offer, especially in sport and culture.
Every Child Matters: Change for Children	Sets out five outcomes as universal ambitions for every child and young person. It recognises the contribution of culture and sport to achieving the ‘enjoy and achieve’ and ‘be healthy’ outcomes and includes children and young people indicators.
Guidance on the Children and Young People’s Plan	Recommends that all local authority services affecting children and young people (including lifelong learning, play and leisure services) should be included in the Plan.
Youth Matters	Requires local authorities to ensure young people have access to a wide range of positive activities such as sport clubs and facilities, cultural events and arts projects.
Care Matters: Time for Change	Requires local authorities to ensure that participation in leisure activities is included in the care plan of every child and young person in care.
Staying Safe(2007)	The ‘Staying Safe’ strategy and action plan cover the full span of the Every Child Matters ‘stay safe’ outcome – keeping children safe from neglect and abuse, accidents, bullying, crime and anti-social behaviour and providing a safe and stable home environment. One of the key areas identified for action is around ‘Play and taking part in Positive Activities’
Childcare Strategy (2004)

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