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In Barnsley we want all children, young people and families to benefit from the opportunities that a great childhood brings. A range of experiences and learning opportunities can help to give children and young people the best start in life and adulthood.
Our Great Childhoods Ambition is a commitment to improving the lives and futures of our children and young people. We'll support them to have a great childhood and ensure they feel they belong, and can explore, dream, grow and connect.
As part of our Great Childhoods Ambition we'll:
- work with family hubs to support parents to give their children the best start in life
- work with schools to provide a caring and safe space for all pupils to learn and grow, giving them a sense of belonging and the strength and skills to make anything possible
- develop stronger partnerships between our schools and communities, creating a network of support so no child falls through the gaps
- provide activities, opportunities and experiences of interest to children and young people
- support young people to access and explore what's on offer, building confidence and boosting their self esteem
- work with careers leaders, higher education partners and businesses to inspire and encourage young people to dream big, showing them possibilities in the voluntary, public and private sectors
- grow young people's digital skills to help them prepare for a digital future
Applications now open for the Great Childhoods Ambition School Holiday Enrichment Fund
We’re looking for partners from local businesses and community groups to deliver creative, innovative and enriching activities for children during the 2026 Easter and summer school holidays.
Apply for our Great Childhoods Ambition School Holiday Enrichment Fund by emailing gca@barnsley.gov.uk to request an application form.
Applications are open until Tuesday 3 February 2026.
What we're doing as part of our Great Childhoods Ambition
Base71 Youth Zone membership
Base71 Youth Zone is a safe and aspirational place for young people, staffed by skilled youth workers who'll help them realise their aims and achievements.
Located in the town centre, it's a state-of-the-art space with facilities including a sports hall, climbing wall, gym, music suite, performing arts studio and film studio. There's also a multi-use games area/kick pitch with flood lights.
As part of our Great Childhoods Ambition we'll cover the membership fee for the first year for all eligible young people aged 8 to 18 who live in Barnsley and sign up before 31 March 2026.
Free bus travel in Barnsley for under 18s
We know travel can be expensive, so we've brought the Barnsley MiCard travel pass back.
Barnsley MiCard is available to anyone aged 5 to 18 who lives in the Barnsley local authority area. Young people can access free bus travel from Monday to Sunday, between 7am and 9pm, as long as the journey starts or ends in the Barnsley local authority area and is within South Yorkshire.
This scheme is set to run until 31 July 2027.
Experiences and activities for young people
If you're a young person in Barnsley, take a look at some of the activities and experiences you can get involved with...
Explore music with Barnsley Music Service
Barnsley Music Service offer high quality music education for children and young people aged 5 to 18. They work to:
- inspire young people to sing and play a musical instrument
- develop young musicians' talent, offering them the chance to perform at different levels
- promote and develop music in Barnsley through diverse partnerships
- enhance and develop life skills through music
Dream at the Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence
The new Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence (NAVE) will deliver singing tuition to young people, as well as being home to the world-renowned Barnsley Youth Choir. The choir's won eight first prizes in some of the most important international competitions in the world.
The NAVE will bring back into use our former computer centre building on the corner of St Mary’s Place and Westgate.
Grow with Barnsley Children's University
The Barnsley Children's University programme offers pupils the chance to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence outside of the school curriculum.
Through our network of partners and local organisations, children can access a wide range of activities to collect credits. These credits count toward different certificates that can be achieved as part of the programme.
Explore Barnsley Museums
Explore Barnsley's heritage and culture with exhibitions, events and activities at our museums.
We have five heritage attractions in the borough: Experience Barnsley and Cooper Gallery in the town centre, plus Cannon Hall, Elsecar Heritage Centre and Worsbrough Mill. Each offers something for everyone, from fascinating exhibitions to history, art, nature and cultural experiences.
Activities at our libraries
There's lots of regular activities in our libraries for young people of all ages.
For young children there's story and rhyme, and sensory play sessions. For older children there's a range of craft sessions, games and Lego clubs. And teens can get involved with coding club, young adults reading groups and writing workshops.
Services and activities through our family hubs
Our family hubs provide services for children from pre-birth up to 19 years (or 25 years if the young person has a disability). A range of experts are on hand, including family support workers, health visitors, midwives, mental health support, employment advisors and adult learning teams.
You can also access a wide range of services online through the Virtual Family Hub.
Connect through sport
There's lots of ways you can stay active, from competitive sports to a walk in the park with family. Playing sports is not only great for your physical heath, but for your mental wellbeing too. Plus team sports help you connect with others and give you a sense of belonging.
If you're feeling inspired, take a look at the What’s Your Move website.
Digital Symposium 2025
In December, we partnered with Barnsley College to host the very first Barnsley Digital Symposium. Over two exciting days, we collaborated with local industry partners to deliver interactive workshops and events for 400 students across four town centre sites. The symposium was a fantastic success, and we’re already planning to bring it back in 2026. Watch the video for a glimpse into the energy and innovation that made these two days unforgettable.
North Star 2025
Great Childhoods Ambition sponsored three Barnsley Schools to attend the North Star Science schools for the first time since it was launched 5 years ago.
The spotlight shone on Barnsley as North Star 2025 welcomed a dynamic collaboration between Amazelab, Barnsley Civic, Pitstop Production, and Barnsley Secondary Schools. They developed a workshop designed to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of thinkers, makers, and creators, and offered a day of immersive activities that blended science, technology, and the arts.
Thirty Year 10/11 students worked with the industry partners to co‑produce the 30‑minute workshop, which was delivered to Year 8/9 students during the North Star Science School event at Rotherham Gulliver’s Valley. A total of 450 Year 8/9 students attended the event, and the team from Barnsley delivered the workshop nine times throughout the day.
The students’ confidence and engagement grew throughout the day, and by 3pm the students were experts in workshop engagement and facilitation. In addition to the 30 students delivering the workshop, four Barnsley schools attended with Year 8/9 students.
North Star 2025 was more than an event; it was a celebration of Barnsley’s potential. By bringing together educators, cultural leaders, and students, this workshop exemplified the power of collaboration in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.