Positive Activities For Young People (PAYP) is a national programme providing out of school and holiday provision for 8-19 year olds who are at risk of offending or of social exclusion.
The programme provides diversionary activities during school holiday periods to give these young people a positive environment to develop and take part in activities.
Connexions coordinates the programme on behalf of the Council, a role they have under-taken since the start of the funding in 2002. Over this period over 21,000 young people have benefited from this funding in the City (3,500 per year on average).
A wide range of partner organisations are commissioned each year to host a variety of activities funded by PAYP, which includes community, sports and art based provision.
The programme ensures that projects include educational elements, which are designed to progress young people and to improve attitude and behaviour. A large number of young people have gained qualifications, which include Community Coach Leadership Awards, Duke of Edinbugh, Art Council Awards and many more.
Mr Shaun Farrington, Head Teacher, Burford Primary and Nursery School says: “This year, there was a notable change in the behaviour of the children on their return to school after the holidays. The atmosphere was calm and the children were ready to learn from day one. This usually takes a number of weeks to establish after the summer break. I can only put this change down to the activities.”
This year, Connexions, using a commissioning process newly approved by Nottingham City Council, engaged 25 activity providers, from the statuary, voluntary and private sectors, who each received a share of the £872,000 available. The selection process was under-taken by an independent panel of experts from Children and Young People Services, a representative from Nottingham City Council’s Commissioning team and young people.
