Draft Youth Work Strategy published

Date: 20th December 2013
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

A draft National Youth Work Strategy was published by Education Scotland on 12th December 2013, encouraging partners in the youth work and Community Learning and Development sectors to work together to maximise the life chances of Scotland's young people.

The Scottish Government, Education Scotland and YouthLink Scotland are working together towards ensuring all young people have access to high quality and effective youth work practice.

The draft strategy outlines 5 ambition statements and associated outcomes that will be consulted on:

• Putting young people at the heart of policy;
• ensuring Scotland is the best place to be young and grow up in;
• recognising the value of youth work;
• building workforce capacity and
• ensuring that we evaluate our impact.

Over the coming months Education Scotland will work with young people and other key stakeholders to develop an implementation plan. A series of events will take place across Scotland to stimulate debate and gather feedback on the draft strategy throughout February. YouthLink Scotland will collate this feedback and a final Youth Work Strategy and Implementation Plan will be launched in spring 2014.

It will outline the key actions that will be taken forward in partnership and delivered over the next five years to ensure young people receive the best opportunities to improve their life chances.

Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland said, "YouthLink Scotland recognises the need for a high level strategy that gives Youth Work practice a strong policy framework. This linked to an implementation plan and a supported workforce will allow us to help Scotland's young people achieve their full potential and contribute positively to society".

• Download the draft Youth Work Strategy here.

For more information contact Kelly.murphy@educationscotland.gov.uk or 079311678578.