News

Scotland invests in new Creative Learning Networks

14 May 2010

New Creative Learning Networks are being developed in Scotland, supporting a range of approaches bringing together local people with an interest in developing creative experiences and opportunities for children and young people to learn, communicate and champion the arts and culture. The scope of those involved in the networks is broad and aims to include schools and wider communities including children and young people, parents, youth workers, local authority officers and the cultural sector. Some of the networks will be brand new, whilst others will build on existing local programmes.

Children in Scotland and the Scottish Arts Council have developed a fund to support the initial development and sustainability of these networks up to mid-February 2011 and will be evaluating the programme. Local Authorities are undergoing a competitive process to access the funds which are expected to be announced within the next week. Not only do they need to meet local needs, but also link with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and National Outcomes framework.The Creative Learning Networks will provide a legacy from the Cultural Co-ordinators in Scottish Schools Programme, which has been running since 2002 in each of the 32 local authorities in Scotland. Local authorities, Cultural Co-ordinators and others have been involved in developing the identity of the Creative Learning Networks programme.The Cultural Learning Alliance is keeping a keen eye on these developments in Scotland. We’re interested in exploring how local networks can be developed to support a cultural entitlement in England. You’ve already told us in the CLA website vote that 61% of you are in a local cultural learning network, but a further 33% responded that they don’t have one and would like one.We’ll keep you up to date on developments both in England and Scotland. In the meantime, let us know if you have any more thoughts.