Archived decisions

Contact: Colin Smith, Youth Service Manager, Tel: 01962 846250

1. Summary

1.1 This report recommends the adoption of the proposed strategic development plan for the Hampshire County Youth Service for 2003 - 2006: Managing, supporting and promoting effective youth work.

2. Background

2.1 The Youth Service Strategic Development Plan for 2000 - 2003 was approved at the Youth Service Sub-Committee meeting in November 1999. The Plan has become a key part of the Youth Service infrastructure in Hampshire during the past two years. The Plan has been widely respected within the County Council and welcomed by other Youth Services in England. Youth Service staff in Hampshire have used the Strategic Development Plan as the framework for District, Project and Development Action Plans.

2.2 The Strategic Plan for 2000 - 2003 was prepared in the context of an internal audit of Youth Service work, the County Council Corporate Strategy and developing national expectations to meet the personal development and support needs of young people.

2.3 The proposed Strategic Development Plan for 2003 - 2006 has been prepared in consultation with young people, staff, other departments and other organisations and agencies. Whilst preparing the plan, it has been very important to take into account opportunities and requirements from within the County Council and elsewhere. The following initiatives and strategies have informed the plan:

· The developing Connexions Strategy

· Transforming Youth Work

· Quality Standards in Youth Work

· The Youth Pledge

· Hear By Right

· Ofsted requirements for Youth Services

· The Activities for young people and outdoor education projects

· The work of the voluntary youth work sector

· Equalities initiatives

· The Education Development Plan

· The County Council Corporate Strategy

· Best Value Review of services to youth

· Community Safety Partnerships

· Local Strategic Partnerships.

2.4 It had been hoped that the work of the Best Value Review of County Council services to youth would be completed prior to the preparation of the new plan. This has not been possible, but outcomes of the Review will be incorporated into this plan as soon as possible, and into future Action Plans.

3. The Strategic Development Plan

3.1 The new Strategic Development Plan provides:

· The curriculum for Youth Service work

· The priorities for Youth Service work between 2003 and 2006

· The basis for all District and Project and Development Action Plans.

3.2 The new plan will develop some priority areas of work including:

· The delivery of Connexions work in Hampshire

· Further work in partnership with secondary schools in Hampshire

· The involvement of more young people in decision-making forums

· New work with 11 - 13 year olds through after-school clubs and other projects

· The continuation and development of specific projects for young adults who are not in education, employment or training

· Summer holiday projects

· Further improvements to staff development arrangements

· More rigorous quality assurance arrangements.

3.3 Government has advised Local Education Authorities that they will be required to prepare Youth Service Plans for 2003 - 2004, in partnership with their local Connexions Partnership and the voluntary youth work sector. The deadline for the Youth Service Plan to be submitted is late Autumn 2002. Detailed guidance will be available in Autumn 2002 .

4. Resources

4.1 The priority age group for the Service work is 13-19 year old young people and allocates 80% of its resources to work with this age group. This is consistent with the Connexions Strategy and Government guidance, which state statutory youth services should spend no less than 80% on this age group. Local authorities are expected to maintain at least current spending levels and to develop a robust youth service. Youth services are expected to work towards both local and national priorities and make a significant contribution to the Connexions agenda. Further guidance from the Government on sufficiency and adequacy of Youth Services is expected in the Autumn.

5. Recommendations

1. That the Panel advises the Executive Member for Education that, the Youth Service Strategic Development Plan for 2003 - 2006: Managing, supporting and promoting effective youth work, be approved.

2. The County Youth Officer be requested to report progress and developments at future meetings of the Panel.

Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

N.B. The list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

Nil