Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review Final Report and Recommendations

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review Final Report and Recommendations October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW FOREWORD The Chairman of the Sub-Group Improving sports provision in Bexley is one of the Council’s key focuses. With the forthcoming Olympic Games in London in 2012 it is paramount that we ensure that the Council is able to contribute to supporting our young sportsmen and sportswomen in Bexley and wherever possible help them reach their potential. In this review Members have considered how the Council is responding and shaping its policies to ensure that we identify and support those young people who have a gift and talent in sport. Members would like to thank those gifted and talented young people and their coaches who participated in the review. In addition we would like to thank those witnesses from outside the Council who provided their time. We would also like to thank the officers who provided support and advice to the sub group. We hope that our findings and recommendations contribute to the support and achievement of our young sportsmen and sportswomen in Bexley.

Councillor Chris Brockwell On behalf of the sub-group

Members of the Sub-group

Councillor Brian Beckwith

Councillor Mrs Pat Cammish

Councillor John Davey

Councillor Kirsty Duncombe

Councillor Nick O’Hare

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

Councillor Margaret O’Neill

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

Page

Summary of Recommendations

1-2

Background and Introduction

3

Schemes of Support for Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen

4

Current Practice in Bexley

4-5

Junior Athlete Education (JAE)

5

Gifted and Talented in PE Project

5-6

Examples of Best Practice Local Authority Schemes Elsewhere

6 -9

Aspects of a Successful Scheme of Support (Figure 1)

9

Young Gifted and Talented Sportsmen and Sportswomen in Bexley

10

Key Elements to Supporting Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen (Figure 2)

11

Case Studies

12

Example of a local sports club providing support for gifted and talented young people

13

Example of Local Authority Leisure Facilities for Gifted and Talented Sports People (Parkwood Leisure)

13-14

Attendees, Witnesses and Participants

15

Acknowledgements

16

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW Recommendations The recommendations of the sub group are divided into three categories which clarify those which the Council can action and those which require a partnership approach and additional funding. The recommendations cover a wide range of measures to enhance the support for gifted and talented sportsmen and sportswomen in Bexley. The Council: R1

R2 R3 R4 R5 R6

R7

Policy for gifted and talented young people should support 12-18 year olds. Support for people outside this age range should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Develop a tracking system for very elite athletes Engage a media partner to promote the progress of elite athletes Secure a local figure head to champion the Gifted and Talented Programme in Bexley Consider redirecting elements of its resources to start a new Gifted and Talented Fund e.g. Bexley Sports Council Grant The Cabinet Member is recommended to keep under review the impact and progress made by the Schools Sports Partnerships’ separate Gifted and Talented pilot scheme which is aimed at identifying and supporting Gifted and Talented students. Review the progress made in relation to the recommendations outlined in the sub group report at 6 and 12 months and report progress to the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Partnership Approach: R8

R9

R10

R11

Officers and partner organisations should pursue joint working across Bexley and neighbouring boroughs to open up access for young athletes to resources and facilities The Council and its partners should encourage sports clubs and experienced coaches to support the ‘Schools Sports Partnerships’ Multi Skills Academy programme for Gifted and Talented students. The Council and its partners should increase awareness of the Free Access for County Sports People (FACS) and Free Access for National Sports People (FANS) schemes in Bexley. The number of people registering for the FACS and FANS schemes should be monitored Officers and the emerging Bexley Community Sports and Physical Activity Network (CSPAN) should consider overseeing the implementation and delivery of selected recommendations within this report

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW

Partnership with External Funding Approach: R12 R13

R14 R15 R16

The Council and its partners are recommended to consider expanding the FANS scheme to develop a higher level of support for a small team of very elite athletes The Council work with partners and local businesses to develop a package to include improved financial support and access to resources such as facilities, coaching and medical provision for talented young athletes. This is to include ‘inkind’ support from key sports partners. In association with R15 a high profile launch of the scheme to be organised to raise local awareness. The Council should seek partners to allocate support for gifted and talented people and establish a panel to agree who should receive support. Continue to keep under review the progress made by other Local Authorities in establishing Gifted and Talented Trusts and consider the potential for establishing a similar trust in Bexley

*R- Recommendation

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW

1.

Background and Introduction

1.1

At its meeting on 15 February 2007, the Leisure, Arts and Tourism Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended that a sub group be established to undertake a project focused on reviewing policy and investigating how best to provide support to Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen in Bexley. The need to develop such a policy is a key strategic objective within the Council’s Sports Strategy, “Developing Communities through Sport”, (2003 to 2008).

1.2

The sub group commenced its work in March 2007 and considered a range of evidence to support the key recommendations outlined in this report. The sub group considered a range of issues including: • • • • •

Current provision in schools, sports clubs and leisure centres Central Government policy on supporting gifted and talented young sportsmen and sportswomen, and the impact on Bexley Identifying examples of good practice in other authorities and elsewhere to consider if elements could be applied in Bexley The views of some of Bexley’s young sportsmen and sportswomen Issues which the Council should consider when developing future policy

1.3

The final recommendations were agreed by the sub group in October 2007 and are shown on pages 4 and 5 of this report.

1.4

The sub group recommendations as outlined in pages 4 and 5 of this report are intended to be implemented in regard to those talented young sportsmen and sportswomen aged between 12-18 years.

1.5

A number of the recommendations will require strong partnership working and pooling of resources. Others will require additional funding from outside of the Council’s financial provision. In recognition of this the recommendations are split into three categories for easy reference.

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW

2.

Schemes of Support for Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen

2.1

A range of national schemes exist to support gifted and talented young sportsmen and sportswomen in addition some of the governing bodies of specific sports operate their own support schemes and grants systems. Individual grants differ widely both in their financial contributions and the qualification criteria.

2.2

Some schemes offer purely financial support others offer a range of benefits such as ‘in-kind’ support such as access to facilities.

2.3

The following national schemes are currently in operation include: • TASS – Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme • TASS 2012 • Gifted and Talented in PE • Junior Athlete Education (JAE) • FANS – Free Access for National Sports People • Sports Aid Foundation

2.4

The following regional schemes include: • FACS - Free Access for County Sports People • Proposed 2012 Olympic Scholarship Scheme for 10-16 year olds • Proposed Talent Development Strategy

2.5

The local schemes include: • FANS (implemented locally) • Bexley Sports Council Small Grants Scheme • Focus Sports Development Plans

3

Current Practice in Bexley

3.1

Whilst the Council does not currently have its own formal policy for supporting gifted and talented sports people, there are a number of the regional and national programmes operating within the Borough.

3.2

The schools in Bexley operate a national ‘Gifted and Talented Programme’, which requires each school to identify the top 10% of pupils in year 6.

3.3

Pupils are also identified as gifted and talented in sport and a new programme to provide additional support to these young people is being piloted by the Bexley Schools Sports Partnerships. It is envisaged that this process would be undertaken across year groups to ensure that talent is identified early. Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW 3.4

This programme provides identified talented young people with additional opportunities, usually through extra competition, participation or coaching opportunities.

4

Junior Athlete Education (JAE)

4.1

Schools in Bexley currently operate a national Junior Athlete Education Programme. This programme supports gifted and talented students who are competing and training at a high level and have demands on their time from their chosen sport, in addition to the pressures of education.

4.2

The JAE programme is not designed to support a young persons physical ability but provides more emotional, social and educational development and support.

4.3

The programme currently offers a series of workshops for the gifted and talented young people in Physical Education (PE). The workshops are aimed to support both young people and their parents/carers. The programme sees this type of comprehensive family support as key to supporting the growth of young people and their respective talent/s. A number of events are held during school holidays.

4.4

Members of the sub group considered the challenges of the current policy, which included the lack of training for staff to assist with the early identification of pupils who are gifted and talented in PE, especially those within Primary Schools. This is partly because identification is very subjective and contains differing strands – ability, perception, game play and skills.

4.5

Challenges also exist in regard to the identification and selection of gifted and talented young people. Schools may identify a pupil by ability in one sport, for example where a pupil belongs to a club outside of school that child may automatically be identified as gifted and talented.

5.

Gifted and Talented in PE - Pilot Project

5.1

The Bexley Schools Sports Partnerships with its partners are currently piloting a project which aims to redress the limitations of the Junior Athlete Education Programme.

5.2

The pilot ‘Gifted and Talented in PE’ (physical education) programme includes the following aspects: •

An audit of schools gifted and talented in PE policy identification and provision.

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW •

• •

Talent mapping for each individual school – helping to identify the strengths and weaknesses of gifted and talented provision within schools and across the partnership. Generic Gifted and Talented in PE policy for consideration and adoption – helping with consistency across schools. Assessment of all young people in year 6 for their generic sporting ability – assessment sheets developed by Leeds University.

5.3

The project is part of a two year pilot programme. It is hoped that during the next two years the programme will expand to ensure that young people are supported and have the opportunity to develop.

5.4

The plans for development include: • • • •

Gifted and Talented Passport JAE Activities Multi-Skills Days Gifted and Talented Sports Academy

6.

Examples of Best Practice Local Authority Schemes Elsewhere

6.1

As part of the review Members investigated a range of local authority schemes of support elsewhere. Members spoke to a witness from the Kent Sports Development Unit and considered a range of verbal and written evidence from council officers. A brief outline of the schemes are described as follows: 6.1.1 The Newham Academy An example of best practice. It is estimated that approximately 50 young people will benefit from the scheme. The scheme will require £4 million to deliver through a partnership of Sport England, London Borough of Newham, governing bodies and the private sector. The programmes will be delivered at locations across Newham and will provide coaching, mentoring, development of life skills, medical assistance, 24-hour referrals and bursaries to keep equipment up to date. 6.1.2 The Kent Sports Development Unit and Kent Paralympian Scheme A sports initiative managed by Kent County Council (KCC). The scheme specifically supports disabled athletes. KCC supports 27 paralympians. 17 potential paralympians from Kent are in Great Britain squads and receiving

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW dedicated support leading up to 2012. A number are planning to compete in the 2008 qualifying stages. KCC undertook a partnership approach to ensuring that Kent secured the maximum benefit from the Olympic Games in terms of sport, tourism, economic development , inward investment, volunteering, skills and training , schools and young people , transport and publicity. The scheme is a partnership between Kent County Council and Denne Construction and is known as ‘The Kent Paralympian Fund’. Recipients of the fund are on a first come first served basis. The age range of the participants is 13 to 47 yrs. The recipients of the scheme were identified in a number of ways including: • • • • • • •

Coaches Clubs Networks Sports Associates Volunteers District Sports Officers or by the Sportsmen and Sportswomen approaching the Council directly

The scheme supports 10 paralympians across the sports of rifle shooting, swimming, rowing, tennis, sailing, skiing, table tennis and equestrian dressage. The fund assists with equipment and travel to events and training. The competitors receive different monetary benefits from the scheme. Additional values from the scheme include publicity for individual sports or individual competitors. Raising the profile of paralympians is seen as a key element to the scheme and this has been achieved in association with the Schools Partnership Programme which has included paralympians attending schools at assemblies and at school sports events. The KCC press office has also been active in promoting the achievements of the competitors. Most of Kent’s paralympians are part of the FANS scheme and Kent is developing its own FANS scheme. Through the scheme 330 national level performers and their coaches receive free use of 50 sports and leisure centres countrywide for training purposes.

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW 6.1.3 Barking and Dagenham Scheme ‘Living the Dream’ “Living the Dream” is Barking & Dagenham’s new independent Trust which has been established to support local young sportsmen and women. It was officially launched at Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club on 19 July 2007. The Trust will be responsible for raising money through various means such as donations and fundraising events and the money will then be distributed to local talented individuals to help them develop their sporting talent and their dreams of being part of the Olympics and other international competitions. Key Characteristics of the Scheme include: •

The Trust has developed at arms-length from the Council, although the Council was responsible for laying the initial foundations

•

There are 13 Trustees who represent the following sectors - Private sector (5) - Voluntary sector (4) - Public sector (4 – all Councillors)

The current Chair is the Managing Director of a local Funeral Director’s and is also the President of a local cricket club. •

The Trust is presently supporting approximately 20 local young athletes. This initial group of youngsters are all between the ages of 13 and 18 and have specifically been chosen as those who have the most potential for competing at London 2012.

•

The number of youngsters being supported will continue to grow, subject to funds being available

•

Support for the athletes currently involves purchasing equipment and assistance towards training and travel costs

•

The Trust aims to raise £70,000 in its first year to help support its talented athletes. £6,000 was raised at the evening launch alone!

•

The Trust will notify the local press about any “significant” contributions and will involve the youngsters on the scheme in any event organised or presentation to the Trust

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW The scheme is still an “evolving” initiative and issues regarding ages of youngsters to be supported, the type of sports supported, the length of time a person stays on the scheme etc have yet to be completely finalised, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is also apparent that the Trust is keen to operate independently of the Council, with the private sector representatives being particularly proactive. 6.2 The sub group concluded that in order for a scheme of support to be successful it needed to have a range of aspects in order to succeed. Theses are outlined in Figure 1.

Sustainability post 2012

Adequate Resources

Tracking Process

Successful Schemes of Support

Partnership Approach

Robust Selection Process

Effective Advertising

Figure1. Successful Schemes of Support for Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW 7.

Young Gifted and Talented Sportsmen and Sportswomen in Bexley

7.1

As part of the review Members spoke to two young people who are identified as gifted and talented in sport and live in Bexley.

7.2

In addition to speaking to the competitors Members spoke to their parent/carers and coaches in order to capture views on the family and technical support mechanisms required to assist high performing sportsmen and sportswomen.

7.3

Members considered a range of issues including: • the young persons commitment required to their training • the financial pressures and constraints • support provided to young people from their parents/carers • facilities available in Bexley

7.4

During the review Members grew concerned that young people may not have family or parental support and therefore may not find it easy to engage in additional events, which would enhance or support their sports talent.

7.5

A sports coach expressed the need for gifted and talented young sportsmen and sportswomen to have good back up systems in place including good local medical facilities.

7.6

During witness sessions Members discussed additional measures which could be taken to attract additional funding. Witnesses expressed a view that sponsorship together with media coverage was key to raising awareness and attracting support.

7.7

Transport was also seen as a key element to supporting the success of gifted and talented young people. Many competitions require transport and it is essential when competing across the borough, the UK and Internationally.

7.8

The sports coach stressed the importance of capturing talent at an early age and that most young talent was detected through local gyms or pre-school sports activity.

7.9

Gymnastics is often used as a base for the identification of talent and then individuals move to specialise in a specific sport.

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW

Mentoring

Effective experienced coaching

Financial Support Lottery/ private funds

Transport – local, national and international

Governing Body of Sports Support

Gifted and Talented Young Sports person Backup support e.g. physiotherapy/ sports injury expertise

Family/ carers support

Press coverage and media recognition/ support

Early identification and support from schools

Training Facilities at reduced fees

Figure 2 – Key elements of support for Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW CASE STUDY

Jessica Brough Gifted and talented in gymnastics

Jessica's weekly training commitment is 30 hours per week over 6 days. Jessica receives some funding from private sponsorship but this is piecemeal and is often directed towards equipment or the costs of attending specific training events or competitions. Lottery funding was reported to be provided to gymnasts who have won or who might be likely to win a medal at competition. Financial constraints are additional pressure on gymnasts who compete at a high level. UK Gymnastics do provide some financial assistance but there is a large funding gap between the funds available from UK Gymnastics and the Lottery. The criteria for funding and grants are constantly changing which limit the ability to plan for the future and the 2012 Olympic Games.

CASE STUDY

Jack Oliver Gifted and talented in weightlifting

Jack’s talent was identified when he first attended the Europa Gym where he had taken part in gymnastics. Jack had participated in other sports before his talent for weightlifting was identified. Jack represents Bexley locally, participates at County and National level. Jack receives limited financial support from the sports governing body and raises some funds from individual fundraising.

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW 8.

Example of a local sports club providing support for gifted and talented young people

8.1

As outlined in the witness session with young Olympic hopefuls Members attention was drawn to the facilities at Europa Gymnastics Centre based in Erith.

8.2

Members visited the gym in June 2007 and undertook a tour of the facilities.

8.3

The Director of Coaching coaches the Great Britain National Squad.

8.4

The gym specifically caters for gymnastics for both boys and girls. The club also caters for all ages and all abilities.

8.5

In addition to the programmes which the gym provides for gifted and talented young people, it also has designed programmes to encourage young people with special and/or additional needs.

8.6

On site physiotherapy is available at the Europa gym and the facility is able to treat sports injuries when and where they occur.

9.

Example of Local Authority Leisure Facilities for Gifted and Talented Sports People (Parkwood Leisure)

9.1

Parkwood Leisure manage public sports facilities in Bexley.

9.2

During the review Members met with representatives of Parkwood Leisure to discuss the support and facilities they provide for young gifted and talented sportsmen and sportswomen.

9.3

Parkwood Leisure have produced development plans for all target groups and the leisure centre were taking steps to attract 11-19 year olds to use the leisure centres.

9.4

The leisure centres have been extremely successful in promoting summer events and attracting young people to participate.

9.5

Parkwood Leisure currently operate and publicise the FANS scheme and are exploring the options for a corporate scheme to provide additional support for gifted and talented sports people and prospective 2012 Olympic competitors. The identification of suitable sponsors is also being explored.

9.6

The FANS scheme is currently publicised with the provision of leaflets. Parkwood Leisure will be increasing the publicity of the scheme and have developed links with schools. Plans for the future include visits schools across Bexley.

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW 9.7

Between 40 and 50 sportsmen and sportswomen currently participate in the scheme.

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW 10.

Attendees, Witnesses and Participants

Councillor Roy Ashmole Councillor Linda Bailey Councillor Aileen Beckwith Councillor Brian Beckwith Councillor Chris Brockwell Councillor Harbans Buttar Councillor Peter Catterall Councillor Bernard Clews Councillor John Davey Councillor Alan Downing Councillor Kirsty Duncombe Councillor Mrs Pat Cammish Councillor Nick O’Hare Councillor Margaret O’Neill Councillor Peter Reader Councillor Matthew Scott Councillor Simon Windle Mr Len Arnold Mike Bishop

Jessica Brough Nicola Elcock Hugh Elsegood Ian King Jack Oliver Jody Specht Jane Richardson Janet Stone Nadine Wooldridge Shanie Dengate Louise Peek

Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Bexley Council Coach, Europa Gym Sports Development Manager for Disabled People, Sports Development Unit Kent County Council Gifted and Talented in Gymnastics Regeneration Project Officer, Bexley Council Senior Sports Development Officer, Bexley Council Contract Manager, Parkwood Leisure Gifted and Talented in Weightlifting Partnership Development Manager, Bexley Council Head of Regeneration Unit, Bexley Council Leisure Development Manager, Bexley Council Sports Development Officer, Bexley Council Scrutiny Officer, Bexley Council

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007

GIFTED AND TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SCRUTINY REVIEW 11.

Acknowledgements

Members would like to thank those organisations and young people who gave their time to speak to Members and contribute to the review. Members would like to give recognition and thanks to those officers who have worked to secure funds to expand and enhance sports provision in the borough. .

Gifted and Talented Young Sportsmen and Sportswomen Scrutiny Review – October 2007