The quality of youth work provision in Shropshire is good

The quality of youth work provision in Shropshire is good.

That is the verdict made by Ofsted following its inspection of Shropshire Youth Service in May 2008.

In the report published this week, it describes the service as having a clear vision for the future and sufficient youth provision in place. The report describes one the most impressive features of the service is the consistently high quality of youth work practise. Staff are well qualified and establish good relationships with young people. This is made possible by an effective partnership between the county council, including the Connexions service, and the voluntary sector.

Other major strengths were highlighted including :

• Strong support by elected members and a strong ambition.
• Young People demonstrate high standards of achievement
• A strong contribution is made to the Every Child Matter Outcomes, especially for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities
• There are effective workforce development policies and practices in place
• Young people are involved effectively in developing the service.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Cabinet member for Children's services said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the inspection. It demonstrates the level of commitment and dedication of staff and partners to ensure that young people have a good range of worthwhile and productive activities to do in their leisure time. Young people themselves demonstrated real enthusiasm for the services that are provided.”

The inspectors visited a wide range of groups and met young people from across the whole County. They were particularly impressed by a group in Bishops Castle who grow their own vegetables, and by a group at Monkmoor who were working on a design and a new name for their new building.

Karen Bradshaw, Assistant Director responsible for the Youth Service, said: "The inspectors have recognised the good work undertaken by staff and the fantastic achievements made by Shropshire’s young people."

The service was inspected as part of the joint area review of the Council and shows that the youth service run groups where young people achieve and enjoy themselves.

24 July 2008