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Great childhoods through collaboration.
During 2025/26, the Great Childhoods Ambition (GCA) has worked alongside more than 40 partner organisations to deliver a wide range of activities. Read on to hear from our partners about what it’s been like working with us to help make great childhoods possible in Barnsley.
Amazelab on delivering science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities
Leonie Briggs from Amazelab said:
"Working alongside GCA has been an inspiring experience. Their small but dedicated team consistently demonstrates innovation, resilience, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. Through our joint projects, we’ve seen first-hand how they embrace creativity and partnership to deliver meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional service delivery.
"Whether it’s co-creating workshops that engage young people in STEM learning or supporting initiatives that celebrate local heritage, GCA’s approach is inclusive, strategic, and deeply focused on positive impact. Despite the challenges facing children’s services nationally, this team has shown how collaboration and vision can transform opportunities for young people."
Barnsley Youth Choir on delivering singing experiences
Mat Wright MBE from Barnsley Youth Choir said:
"Barnsley Youth Choir has been working closely with the Great Childhoods Ambition team. Support from GCA has enabled us to work with children and young people across Barnsley, providing high‑quality singing training to school children. We are determined that the support Barnsley Youth Choir offers will have a lasting impact.
"We are on course to deliver 140 specialist workshops to over 16,000 primary school children from 70 schools by the end of 2026, providing high‑quality training, support and resources to ensure schools are also able to continue this work beyond the workshops.
"Alongside this, we are working with secondary school‑aged children to deliver a special Singing Development Day, in collaboration with world‑class vocal leaders from the internationally renowned ‘The Sixteen’. This opportunity will be free for young people to attend and will culminate in a performance with a professional band.
"All of this has been made possible through our partnership with GCA, and we are incredibly grateful for the support that has enabled us to realise these ambitious plans for children and young people across Barnsley. Without this support, we would not be able to reach so many children and schools."
Barnsley Community and Voluntary Service (CVS)
Frances Elliott from Barnsley CVS said:
"Barnsley CVS has entered into a strong and productive partnership with the Great Childhoods Ambition programme. Support from GCA has enabled Barnsley CVS to deepen its work with children and young people across the borough, creating meaningful opportunities that respond to local need. This collaboration has helped foster a highly effective partnership between the voluntary and community sector and local government, built on shared ambition and trust.
"A vital element of this partnership has been the Great Childhoods Ambition Community Grant initiative, through which funding has been awarded to 15 diverse organisations. These grants provide 18 months of sustained support, enabling organisations to plan and deliver a wide range of initiatives that enrich the lives of children and young people across Barnsley. The seamless way in which GCA and Barnsley CVS work together has been fundamental to the successful delivery of this programme and to maximising its impact across communities."
Barnsley College on Barnsley’s first Digital Symposium
Gill Kelly from Barnsley College said:
"Barnsley College has been proud to work alongside the Great Childhoods Ambition and industry partners to deliver the Barnsley Digital Symposium, showcasing the power of genuine collaboration. By bringing together education, local government and industry, the symposium connected learners directly with the digital and technology sector through engaging, real-world workshops and talks.
"Codesigned by educators and industry professionals, the event gave young people valuable insight into digital career pathways while building confidence and aspiration. Building on its success, partners are now working together to make the symposium even bigger this year, strengthening Barnsley’s digital talent pipeline and extending its reach and impact."