Children’s Activities Association (CAA) responds to government funding for extracurricular provision alongside proposed social media restrictions

Anne Marie Martin, CEO, The Children’s Activities Association (CAA)

The Children’s Activities Association (CAA) has today welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of a £132.5 million funding package to expand access to after‑school clubs and enrichment activities, released alongside plans to restrict social media use for under‑16s. 

The Association said the combined approach represents an important step toward improving children’s wellbeing - but warned that the success of the policy will depend on sustained investment, quality provision, and equitable access. 

Supporting children’s wellbeing - online and offline

The Government’s proposals aim to reduce harmful online exposure while creating more opportunities for children to engage in sport, arts, and community‑based activities. 

CAA Chief Executive Anne-Marie Martin said: 

"We welcome the Government’s commitment to both protecting children online and investing in opportunities for them offline. This is an important recognition that reducing screen time must be matched by access to meaningful, enriching activities in the real world.

Providing high-quality experiences for children and young people has always been at the heart of the Children’s Activities Association. Our members have been delivering safe, engaging and professionally led activities from the earliest years, and this announcement reinforces the value of what we have long championed.

The focus now must be on the detail of the programme and, crucially, its long-term sustainability. Lasting change in children’s habits, wellbeing and development can only be achieved through consistent investment and access to high-quality activities over time."

Delivery will determine success

The CAA emphasised that funding alone will not guarantee impact. 

“This policy can only succeed if every child - not just some - has access to high‑quality, affordable activities in their local community,” Anne-Marie added. “Without that, there is a real risk that restrictions on social media leave a gap rather than creating opportunity.”

The Association highlighted several critical success factors: 

• Long‑term, sustainable investment beyond initial funding

• Support for the workforce delivering children’s activities

• Strong focus on quality and safety standards

• Targeting provision in underserved and disadvantaged communities

Schools at the heart of the solution

With Ofsted set to place greater emphasis on schools’ enrichment provision, the CAA expects a growing role for partnerships between schools and activity providers. 

“Schools cannot deliver this alone. Trusted external providers - operating to high standards - will be essential in scaling provision quickly and effectively.”

The CAA confirmed it is ready to support government and schools by: 

• Providing accredited provider networks

• Sharing best practice and quality frameworks

• Supporting safeguarding and training across the sector

A call for partnership

The Association is urging government to work closely with the sector to ensure funding is used effectively. 

“The children’s activities sector stands ready to be a delivery partner in this national effort. By combining investment with expertise, we can ensure this policy delivers real, lasting benefits for children and families.”

Looking ahead

The CAA also stressed that activities must evolve to meet children’s expectations: 

“Young people are used to highly engaging digital environments. To compete with that, activities must be inclusive, exciting, and relevant - offering not just supervision, but inspiration, connection, and growth.”

Conclusion

The Children’s Activities Association (CAA) believes the Government’s dual approach - combining online protections with offline investment, has the potential to create a positive shift in children’s lives. 

“This is a moment to reshape how childhood is experienced in the UK. With the right delivery, we can ensure every child benefits from richer, healthier, and more connected lives.”