Making Youth Work Work: A Toolkit - Introduction

INTRODUCTION

In 2010, OFSTED published a report identifying the common characteristics of local authorities judged to be outstanding in their approach to children and young people’s services. Many of the sections in this toolkit relate to the features identified as providing the basis for excellent outcomes for children and young people. These include:

• Sustained and consistent approach to practice, driving improvement in services

• Effective use of information about performance and progress with a focus on the needs of children and young people and the services provided

• The engagement of children, young people, families and communities influences and improves services

• Strong effective partnerships

• High expectations of and aspirations for children and young people, demonstrated in challenging targets and a continuing drive to improve performance

• Commitment to enabling all children and young people to succeed with a focus on those who most need support and encouragement

• Strong emphasis on early intervention and prevention, translated into action in how resources are allocated, with support designed around individuals

Youth work has an important role to play in enabling young people to succeed, and these features should be built into quality assurance mechanisms for youth work delivery.