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Local authorities already have a statutory duty under the 1996 Education Act to secure access for young people to a sufficient local offer of positive activities. The statutory guidance linked to this duty – to which local authorities must have regard – will soon be amended to incorporate new quality standards for positive activities.

The good practice guidance suggests that in order to achieve this, it is essential that authorities work with partners to realise ambitions for positive activities locally.  By agencies targeting their resources more effectively and commissioning in partnership, the provision on Friday and Saturday nights could be doubled.

Sports, arts and cultural activities are central to the offer and this guidance highlights the opportunities for our sector to work with young people's services, schools and the police to significantly improve the activities offered to young people and contribute to a range of shared objectives.

A number of case studies are included in the report that demonstrate how strong partnership working is helping local authorities meet their statutory duty; support the delivery of the 5 hour sport offer; and enrich the local youth offer, particularly on a Friday and Saturday night.