Services
Great childhoods made possible
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.
The Great Childhoods Ambition is our 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 a borough-wide, collaborative programme, we'd like everyone to get on board and help us grow the opportunities for young people. If you're an employer and would like to find out how you can support the Great Childhoods Ambition, email us at gca@barnsley.gov.uk.
What we're doing
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
Free bus travel for under 18s
We know travel can be expensive, so on Wednesday 2 April our Cabinet will be looking to approve an under 18s free bus travel pilot, making bus travel free for children and young people in Barnsley. The scheme is proposed to run from 1 August 2025 until 31 July 2027.
Bus journeys starting or finishing in the Barnsley borough will be free every day between 7am and 9pm. Children and young people will be able to travel within, to and from town (or to anywhere else in South Yorkshire) for free - as long as the journey starts or finishes in Barnsley.
Helping young people be more independent allows them to build life skills as well as connect with friends, family and the range of opportunities we have across the borough and beyond.
More details and how to apply will be available soon. You can find more information on the Travel South Yorkshire website.
Explore music
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
Find out how to get started by contacting Barnsley Music Service.
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.
Connect at Base71 Youth Zone
Base71 Youth Zone will be a safe and aspirational place for young people.
Located in the town centre, it'll be a state-of-the-art space with facilities including a sports hall, climbing wall, gym, music suite, performing arts studio and film facilities. There will also be a multi-use games area/kick pitch with flood lights.
Base71 Youth Zone will be staffed by skilled youth workers who'll help young people realise their aims and achievements.
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.
Take a look to find out what's happening at your local branch.
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.
