NYA study shows the benefits of youth work in schools in improving attendance

The National Youth Agency (NYA) has released a new report illustrating where youth work is taking place with schools and alternative provision, the different models of delivery and the impact on pupils.

The report highlights how the holistic approach taken by youth workers, alongside teachers and pastoral staff can support young people to develop a positive relationship with their school and help address barriers to attendance.

It also shows that an overwhelming majority of submissions (95%) agreed that youth work in and out of schools has a positive impact on young people’s health and wellbeing, directly affecting their attendance, behaviour, and attainment.

Abbee McLatchie, Director of Youth Work at the NYA said: “Young people supported by a youth worker identify their skills and passions, find their voice on issues which are important to them, feel more able to make safe choices and are happier. We believe that the model of youth workers linked to every secondary school, as part of a team of support workers and trained volunteers, rooted in the local Community, can have a transformational impact on young people’s lives.”

The report highlights that where youth work is taking place with schools, teachers are welcoming the benefit this is making to learning – not just by reducing poor attendance, but by bridging the gap between families with other support services and promoting pupil’s wellbeing, and personal and social development”.

Read the full report here.