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On 10 December 2004, the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) published a report on the evaluation of the second wave of Children's Fund partnerships (The Children's Fund: The second wave partnerships). It concludes that local partnerships of statutory and voluntary bodies, working to combat social exclusion and the effects of child poverty, are providing satisfactory outcomes for children. Partnerships have successfully established a range of projects to meet the needs of children and the number of children participating has increased.
In successful partnerships, the needs of children at risk of exclusion are met through well-planned projects that ensure effective and well-targeted support. These partnerships have identified levels of risk for children, appraised current community needs and thoroughly audited existing provision. Projects are aimed at raising attainment by tackling the negative effects of factors including rural deprivation, isolation and high crime, while improving school attendance and raising the aspirations of families and children.
Children have noticed the difference that involvement in a project has made to them. When interviewed, they often told inspectors about how they felt more confident and had improved self-esteem. In the majority of partnerships staff are skilled and very committed.
Some of the other characteristics of successful partnerships, projects and activities are good consultation and involvement of the local community, active participation by children in projects designed to meet their long-term needs, clear and consistent priorities targeted where support is most needed, and good-quality leadership by programme managers and the chairs of partnerships.
The report makes recommendations and can be viewed on the Ofsted website