Engaging with the youth of the village was a key challenge for the Steering Group. We are extremely gratefully to the team, staff and students, at Parkfields School who have sought out the views of the school age youth in the area.
Summary:
- 551 students responded to the survey from Toddington St George of England Lower School (years 3-4), Parkfields Middle School (Years 5-8) and Harlington Upper School (mainly years 9-10)
- The top 5 improvements identified are:
- Advanced Play & Social Equipment – for older children, such as a zip wire or challenging climbing frames
- A Dedicated Youth “Hangout” – indoor social space with wi-fi, affordable snacks/drinks, gaming consoles or pool tables
- Wheels & Tracks – a pump track or small skate park
- Safety & Lighting – paths leading to the recreation ground
- Village Cleanliness & Environment – more bins and grass that does not become a ‘mud bath’
- Community and Involvement:
- High “Village Pride” – “We like our village, and we want to help you make it better.”
- The “Information Gap” – not knowing what is happening in the village – create an Instagram page
- Desire for “Action, not just Talk” – most popular activities are Community Gardening/Nature Projects, Helping the village fetes, Litter Picks (with rewards/pizza)
- A Permanent Voice – a way for the youth to continue to express a view
- Other comments:
- When children say there is The “Nothing to Do” Myth vs. Reality
- Safety is About “Visibility”
- A Desire for Independence
- “We Care More Than You Think”
The full report provides much more detail and context – it is well worth reading – see Social, Education and Wellbeing page for the link.
