25 October 2007

Today, the first publication about the engagement of 11 to 15 year olds in culture, leisure and sport is released. The report is based on the results from the first annual year of the Taking Part child survey, which was commissioned by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport working in partnership with several of its Non-Departmental Public Bodies 1.

The aim of the report is to set out the key headline findings in order to baseline levels of engagement amongst 11 to 15 year olds. This information and future analysis from the survey will help the Department and its partner bodies to better understand those who do, and do not, engage with its sectors. 

Virtually all children had engaged in at least one form of cultural or sporting opportunity during the last 12 months 2. The top-line prevalence rate from each sector is as follows:

Of all 11 to 15 year olds in the last year

• 72% attended a historic environment site at least once
• 55% attended a museum or gallery at least once
• 72% attended a library at least once
• 74% attended at least one type of arts event
• 91% participated in at least one type of arts activity

Of all 11 to 15 year olds in the last four weeks

• 95% participated in at least one type of active sport 3

The report also looks at whether children are allowed to play outside and children’s play facilities. These findings are taken from questions included in the first year of the adult survey. The data show that:

• Over half (55%) of adults with children in the household allowed at least one child to play outside of the house

The full report can be accessed online. 

NOTES:

1.  Arts Council England, Museums, Libraries and Archives council, English Heritage and Sport England.
   
2.  A total of 99.7 per cent of children had engaged in at least one cultural or sporting sector. Engagement refers to one of the following: attendance at a historic environment site, a museum or gallery, a library, or an arts event; or participation in an arts activity or active sport. Engagement in cultural sectors relates to the last 12 months, and engagement in sports activities relates to the last four weeks.
   
3.  The data reported in this statistical release relate to overall engagement. The full report includes analysis of engagement both inside and outside of school lessons.