Skills in Schools

Medway Youth Service works with young people 8–19 years old (25 for those with a disability) offering somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to in their leisure time. It delivers a range of social, sports, creative and fun activities, supporting young people to learn new skills and socialise in a safe, positive way.

The service aims to reduce barriers that might prevent young people in engaging in activities and will always attempt to find ways to include young people regardless of their confidence, background or ability. Medway's Youth Services provide:

• Inspiring activities each session, including sports, arts and personal development
• Events where young people meet, compete and collaborate with each other
• Residential and other trips to boost confidence and broaden horizons
• Targeted programmes for young people at risk (i.e. child sexual exploitation, children who are missing from home or are and children involved with gangs).

The ‘Skills in Schools’ programme is offering six free sessions to secondary schools across Medway using the Skills Builder Universal Framework and materials. Youth Workers will deliver either six different essential skills over six weeks, one skill for six weeks or a combination of skills for six weeks. Sessions cater for up to 30 pupils and can be from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Additional sessions or one-one work can be purchased as required.

The programme uses the Skills Builder tools, specifically the workshops, workbooks, and learning passports to support young people’s learning. Sessions follow the Skill Builder workshop plans with young people completing a pre- and post-assessment of learning around the chosen essential skill.

One-off sessions use the standard workshop plan and when multiple sessions are required, additional activities are developed using the Universal Framework and workbook to scaffold learning. Each session has a mixture of interactive taught learning and group work, where young people are encouraged to practise and apply essential skill steps. Where more time is available, the emphasis is always on additional group work and practice time.