Summer University National Expansion Feasbility Study
Recent policy changes and the new arrangements for commissioning services for young people have catapulted voluntary sector providers into a potentially pivotal role as a key provider. The opportunities that exist within the Government’s 10 year strategy for young people are becoming apparent, and alongside this, there is a clear desire to ensure that all young people are being offered a high quality range of positive activities.FJ Consultancy is undertaking exciting and timely research, on behalf of Tower Hamlets Summer University (THSU) and endorsed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), to ascertain what is happening in the sector, identify models of good practice and consider whether the Summer University model has the potential for expansion.
Through this research we intend to identify and highlight the significant and increasing contribution made by the voluntary sector to the provision of summer activities for young people. Additionally, we acknowledge that all voluntary sector organisations have unique priorities and must rightly reflect this in any development of their holiday programme for young people. It is this diversity of provision we want to identify and celebrate.
The Summer University is a model of work that has been highly successful in responding to numerous government initiatives. Currently operating across 18 London boroughs, the model is due for rollout across remaining boroughs in summer 2008. For further information about the model, please go to the websites: www.summerunilondon.org and www.summeruni.org
You have been selected to form part of this national study and attached you will find a letter from Lord Adonis introducing the research and encouraging your involvement. As a result of your participation, your organisation will be credited in the final report and you will be able to monitor the progress of the feasibility study, the first and only of its kind, via the Summer Uni London website noted above.
We urge you to take part in this study by forwarding the attached questionnaire to colleagues in your organisation responsible for the delivery of summer provision, returning it to us by 19th October 2007.
We look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your assistance.
Fiona Factor and Jude Kutner
Hill House
Hill Road
Tibenham
Norfolk
NR16 1NX
01379 677295
www.fjconsultancy.co.uk