Inspectors accuse youth services of failing young people

Youth services across the country are failing to involve young
people and to offer them sufficient opportunities, according
to inspection body Ofsted.

Of the five youth services reported on this month, four are
described as “inadequate” and one as
“unsatisfactory”.

While youth workers were largely found to be committed and
enthusiastic, their lack of experience and qualifications, coupled
with a shortage of resources and guidance from local authorities,
meant services were often poorly planned and of little educational
value.

The four “inadequate” youth services –
Cumbria, Darlington, Reading, and Swindon – were also all
criticised for failing to give young people a voice in shaping
local provision.

Although young people were “fully involved” in
decision-making at a local level in “unsatisfactory”
Bedfordshire, inspectors found expectations of the service remained
unclear and the budget too low.

Inspection reports from www.ofsted.gov.uk