spear was commissioned by Chance to shine and the ECB to conduct an independent evaluation of the Whole School Programme. The aim of Whole School Programme is to create opportunities for children to play and support their physical, mental and social wellbeing. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation was conducted, research was focused on 6 areas; Engagement, Activities, Insight, Impact, Achievements and Challenges.

This evaluation was designed to collect information on the programmes core outcomes and explore the stakeholders experiences and perceptions. This Evaluation also explored children’s attitudes and perceptions, wellbeing and development, the impact on teachers and their schools and how the whole school programme impacts children’s from disadvantaged communities. Alongside recognising the challenges in delivering the programme and recommendations to enable all children to play, learn and develop through cricket.

Key Findings

• In 2022/23, Chance to Shine’s Whole School Programme has engaged 23,210 children in 226 primary schools where a high proportion of pupils (40%+) receive free school meals
• After engaging in the programme, positive changes are evident in children’s attitudes and perceptions: over four fifths now say they enjoy cricket and around three quarters say they feel competent and confident playing. Almost two thirds say they would play cricket again.
• Children’s perceptions of wider sport and activity and their wellbeing and development remain broadly high and stable across the programme, with small but significant increases in their enjoyment of sport and games and their empathy for others.
• Teachers have benefited from the programme: over three quarters now say they feel confident, competent and motivated to deliver, embed and sustain cricket in school and over four fifths say they would take part in the programme again.
• Programme sessions are broadly seen as inclusive and engaging for children from underrepresented groups and disadvantaged communities, although barriers to engagement remain. Less than half of teachers think there are accessible opportunities for children to continue playing in the community.

Date: 1st July 2023

Client: Chance to Shine and ECB

“Our school is in a highly deprived area, so its good that this is being included as there are not similar activities for children in the community” – Teacher involved in Whole school programme project