Appendix 2: - Materials Associated with Consultation Process

(i) Questions For Discussion at Local Level In Relation To the Development of A Quality Framework for YOUTHREACH (used for consultation at centre/local level)

NOTE: The following questions are proposed only as a guide for discussion. Others may arise in the course of discussion. Also, it is not necessary to answer all questions and indeed workshops and/or centres may not wish to follow this format in responding to the report. Centres / workshops may wish to engage a facilitator who can draw together outcomes and recommendations and forward a response to the National Co-Ordinators on behalf of the centre / workshop.

1. Quality Framework

1. What is a quality framework?
2. What are the advantages for this centre / workshop in the development of a national Quality Framework for YOUTHREACH?
3. What are participants’ concerns in relation to the development of a Quality Framework for YOUTHREACH?
4. Is it possible to develop a Quality Framework across all strands of the YOUTHREACH programme?

2. Key Elements of a Quality YOUTHREACH programme

Looking at the 20 key elements of a YOUTHREACH centre / workshop as outlined in the report:

1. Is there agreement that the list of 20 elements are relevant to the operation of this centre / workshop?
2. Is it possible for this centre / workshop to undertake / provide all 20 elements?
3. What prevents this centre / workshop from undertaking / providing any / all of the 20 elements listed?
4. Is it important to evaluate how well this centre /workshop performs in relation to each of the 20 elements listed?
5. What else should be evaluated?
6. What quantitative measures should be used to determine the quality and effectiveness of this centre / workshop?

3. Self-evaluation

1. What are the advantages for this centre/workshop of engaging in a self-evaluation process?
2. What are the fears/concerns for this centre/workshop in relation to engaging in self-evaluation?
3. Who should be involved in the self-evaluation process in this centre/workshop?
   All staff?Trainees?Local / regional management?Others?
4. What structures/ supports should be in place to assist centres / workshops to engage in self-evaluation
5. How should centres / workshops engage trainees in an evaluation process?
6. What aspects of the programme should trainees evaluate?
7. Should engagement in self-evaluation be optional or mandatory for centres/ workshops?

4. External Evaluation

1. Should a quality assurance process for YOUTHREACH involve external evaluation?
2. What are the advantages of external evaluation?
3. What are the fears / concerns in relation to external evaluation?
4. Who should carry out external evaluation of centres / workshops?
5. Should all centres / workshops undergo external evaluation?

5. Implications

1. Should there be implications for centres / workshops that do not engage in self and external evaluation? What should they be?
2. Should there be implications for centres / workshops that do not meet nationally agreed standards? What should they be?
3. What supports should be provided to assist centres / workshops in meeting nationally agreed standards?

DISCUSSING QUALITY WITH TRAINEES

Participants in the exploratory phase recommended that trainees would be involved in the consultation process and that this should take place initially at centre level. It was felt that centre/workshop staff are in the best position to use an appropriate methodology, based on trainee needs and ability, with which to engage trainees in this debate at centre/workshop level. At a later stage in the consultation process it is envisaged that trainee representatives will have an opportunity to meet and discuss quality on a regional basis.

The following is list of suggested questions that staff in centres/workshops may or may not wish to use in discussions with trainees in relation to the quality framework. The outcomes of such discussions can be used internally in order to inform staff about trainees’ views. Centres/workshops may wish to include trainees’ comments or recommendations in any feedback that is being forwarded to the National YOUTHREACH Co-Ordinators before the end of June 2001.

Proposed questions for trainees

1. How would you describe a good YOUTHREACH centre/workshop?

2. What parts of the programme have been of most benefit to you?

3. What parts of the programme have been of least benefit to you?

4. What do you expect to get out of your time in YOUTHREACH?

5. Do you get an opportunity to tell staff what you think of the programme/ centre/workshop?

If you do, how does this work? If you don’t, would you like to have this opportunity and how would you go about it?

6.What are the important outcomes for trainees having completed the programme? (e.g. employment, qualifications, increased self-esteem, independence, better able to deal with problems).

Or

How would trainees measure success for themselves?

The following questions may help trainees to explore the various elements of the programme and the degree to which they make YOUTHREACH a positive learning experience.

Ask trainees to discuss the importance of the following issues.

1. The reputation of the centre/workshop in the local community

2. The appearance of the centre/workshop, inside and outside

3. The choice of subjects on offer in the centre/workshop

4. The role of the centre/workshop in preparing trainees for employment

5. Centre/workshop offering courses that provide certification/qualifications

6. The learning atmosphere in the centre/workshop

7. The approach used by staff (i.e. teaching methodology/ mutual respect/ listening/ flexible)

8. Centre/ workshop code of behaviour/discipline

9. The centre/workshop first contact with the trainee

10. The centre/workshop induction programme

11. The additional supports available in the centre/workshop (i.e. additional literacy/numeracy, guidance/counselling/ childcare/ meals/ transport/ one to one contact)

12. Centre/workshop contact with trainees’ parents/ guardians where appropriate

13. Assessing trainees' needs and drawing up individual learning/action plan

14. The involvement of trainees in decision making within the centre/ workshop

15. Provision of support to trainees after they have progressed