Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EDUCATION

PART II

YOUTH SERVICE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003-2006

1. The Executive Member has approved the adoption of the Strategic Development Plan for the Hampshire County Youth Service for the period 2003-2006, entitled
"Managing, supporting and promoting effective Youth Work". He did so in the light of views previously expressed on the Plan by the Youth Panel.

2. The Strategic Development Plan has become a key part of the Youth Service infrastructure during the past two years. It has become widely respected both within the County Council and has been welcomed by other Youth Services in England. It is used by Youth Service staff in Hampshire as the framework for district, project and development action plans. The current document, covering the period 2000-2003, was prepared in the context of an internal audit of Youth Service work, the County Council's corporate strategy and developing national trends towards supporting the personal development and needs of young people. That plan now needs to be rolled forward for the next three year period.

3. There has been extensive consultation on the plan's contents with young people, staff, other departments, and other organisations and agencies. Central to the plan are the following initiatives:

· The developing Connexions strategy (to provide personal advisers for young people).


· Transforming youth work.


· Quality standards in youth work.


· The Youth Pledge.


· Ofsted requirements for Youth Services.


· Activities for young people and outdoor education projects.


· The developing role of the voluntary youth work sector.


· Equalities.


· The Education Development Plan.


· The County Council's corporate strategy, notably aims 1, 4 and 5 (quality of life, partnerships for strong communities and high quality accessible services).


· The cross-cutting best value review of services to youth and young people, currently still under way.


· Community safety partnerships.


· Local strategic partnerships.

4. The new Strategic Development Plan sets out the curriculum for Youth Service work, priorities for the period 2003 to 2006, and the basis for all future district, project and development action plans. Priority areas of work include:

· The delivery of Connexions throughout Hampshire.


· Partnerships with secondary schools in Hampshire.


· Involvement of more young people in decision making.


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


· Specific projects for young adults who are not in education, employment or training.


· Summer holiday projects.


· Staff development and quality assurance.


The main focus remains on the 13-19 age group.

5. The fundamental aims of the Youth Service, detailed in the Strategic Development Plan, can be summarised as follows:

· To promote and deliver opportunities which are challenging, supportive, exciting and fun for young people, enabling them to learn, develop and respond to change.


· To develop and deliver effective services for young people in partnership with other organisations and agencies.


The Plan sets out a range of purposes, principles and outcomes which underpin the Youth Service's strategy, organisation and structure. With regard to resources, it is hoped that the County Council will be able to maintain and increase core funding for the Youth Service in future years.

6. The Strategic Development Plan sets out a coherent vision for the Youth Service and charts the way ahead over the next three years. Copies of the Plan have been placed in the Members' Rooms.

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