We aim to improve these outcomes for all children and to narrow the gap between those who do well and those who do not. These five outcomes are central to the "Every child matters: Change for children programme" and to the Children Act 2004, which provides the legislative foundation for the programme.

Culture, sport and play activities have an important role to play in this programme, and we are working with our sponsored bodies to best respond to the challenge.

The Green Papers "Youth Matters" (July 2005) and Youth Matters - Next Steps (March 2006) proposed a statutory duty on local authorities to secure the provision of positive activities for all young people and legislation for statutory guidance setting out national standards covering activities that should be available to young people. These include a range of cultural, sporting, recreational and enriching experiences, as well as provision for young people to make a contribution through volunteering.

We are working with the Department for Education and Skills and others across government as well as cultural and sporting bodies on the design of the statutory guidance and the development of the youth offer.