Appendix 3 - DRAFT QUALITY STANDARDS FOR YOUTHREACH AND S.T.T.C.s

QUALITY DOMAINS	GENERAL STANDARDS	EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CENTRE HAS MET STANDARD
	ETHOS The centre develops a mission statement. The centre develops aims and objectives for the programme. Development of mission statement and aims and objectives involve all key people. Staff are aware of and understand the ethos of the centre.	Documentation outlining mission statement, aims and objectives Records of meetings and attendance sheets
	PLANNING A long term plan for the centre is developed outlining all key areas of the centres’ activities. Programme planning is based on centre/workshop aims and objectives. Staff and trainees are involved in the planning process. Time is allocated to allow for planning on a regular basis. Responsibilities are clearly allocated.	Outlining involvement of key players Centre plan documented Annual timetable outlining planning time. Organisational chart outlining job description and responsibilities
	PUBLIC RELATIONS A promotion strategy for the centre is developed. Opportunities are maximised to promote a positive centre image in the community and nationally as appropriate.	Document outlining PR strategy Records of PR events / literature
	POLICY/ GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES A range of centre based policy documents/ guidelines for good practice is developed in compliance with laws, regulations and funding requirements, to include the following areas: Childcare Act Misuse of Drugs Act Children Act Professional Code of Ethics Code of Discipline Provision of Counselling Contact with Parents Record Control Education and Welfare Act Recruitment of Trainees Employment Equality Act Safety Health and Welfare at Induction Programme for Staff and Trainee Staff Supervision and Support Integration of Literacy Youth Work Act Traveller Identity Interculturalism Work Experience	Documentation outlining policy / guidelines for good practice. Records of staff attendance at in-service training in relation to policy / good practice documents. Records of staff involvement in developing local policy / good practice guidelines. Record of policy / good practice guidelines included as part of staff induction programme.
QUALITY DOMAINS	GENERAL STANDARDS	EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CENTRE HAS MET STANDARD
	PROGRAMME DESIGN The programme is holistic in nature and designed to meet the trainees’ needs. Structured one to one time is available for each trainee. The course aims, objectives, content, methodology, duration, assessment and certification arrangements are documented and evaluated on an ongoing basis. New programmes are developed as required. The programme duration is based on trainee need rather than time. Flexible timetable & attendance options are available. The programme reflects local environment and culture and in particular Traveller culture in the case of S.T.T.C.s.	Timetable outlining structured 1:1 support time for trainees. Centre plan. Documentation on course design and delivery based on standard design template. Data on attendance options. Documented reviews and evaluations. Assessment of trainee needs documented.
	PROGRAMME DELIVERY Agreed practices and procedures are developed for all main areas of work based on operating guidelines and centre/workshop policy A positive, encouraging, safe, challenging and caring learning environment is provided for trainees. Class materials are prepared prior to sessions. A variety of approaches to learning is used in order to ensure that trainees are actively involved in and take responsibility for their own learning. The centre promotes mutual respect between staff and trainees. An appropriate teacher to trainee ratio will apply to all programme activities. The duration of the learning day and annual attendance is in line with trainee needs and ability.	Records of meetings related to developing centre policy. Documentation of mission statement and aims and objectives. Documentation on course design and delivery. Records of teacher: trainee ratio as agreed by staff. Data on timetable / weekly and annual. Mission statement aims and objectives.
	RECRUITMENT A local awareness raising and recruitment campaign is implemented. Links are made with relevant agencies. Clear referral structures for trainees into the programme are developed. There is a clear managed entry of trainees into the programme. Appropriate documentation and application procedures are in place.	Documentation on recruitment procedures. Records of referral from relevant agencies. Application form.
	CERTIFICATION A range of certification / accreditation is provided as appropriate to trainee needs. Trainees are aware of the certification options available in the centre. Responsibility for assessment and centre verification is clearly allocated. Certification records are maintained.	Induction pack / booklet. Organisational chart. Certification records. Centre programme and accreditation options.
QUALITY DOMAINS	GENERAL STANDARDS	EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CENTRE HAS MET STANDARD
	TRAINEE INDUCTION Staff agree and document procedures for trainee induction. A welcoming and informative induction programme is provided for new trainees. Trainees are provided with an opportunity to evaluate the induction programme provided.	Records / procedures for trainee induction. Induction pack / booklet for trainees. Records of trainee evaluation of induction programme.
	ASSESSMENT Individual interviews are carried out to evaluate trainee needs. A structured assessment of literacy and numeracy levels is carried out for all trainees. Assessment of needs is carried out through interview with relevant others, e.g. parents/guardians, social workers, former teachers, J.L.O., probation officers. Referral for specialised assessment is organised as required. An individual action /learning plan is developed for each trainee. There is on-going review and evaluation of the learning plan in co-operation with trainee. Additional resources are sought where specific needs are highlighted. Structures are established to ensure that trainees receive feedback in relation to individual progress. Trainee files in relation to assessment are maintained.	Documented individual assessment of trainees. Records of literacy / numeracy assessment. Records of interviews with relevant others. Individual action / learning plan. Review of action / learning plan. Timetabling of individual trainee feedback sessions. Trainee files.
	SUPPORT STRUCTURES Additional one to one numeracy / literacy support is provided as required. Counselling support is available to all trainees. Career guidance support is available to all trainees. Childcare facilities are provided or funded as required. Travel facilities are provided or funded where required. Arrangements are in place to allow for regular meetings / communication with parents / guardians in relation to trainee development. Procedures are established to ensure relevant contact with parents / guardians re. permission to participate in various aspects of programme, holidays, trips, days off, discipline procedures.	Timetabling of numeracy / literacy supports. Records of counselling provision. Records of career guidance provision. Records of childcare funded or provided. Records of staff attending case conferences. Records of meetings / contact with parents.
	PROGRESSION Managed exits for each trainee out of the programme into a relevant progression option are established. Guidance / counselling support for trainees is provided at initial stage of progression option. There is appropriate documentation of transfer to progression option. Links are established with employers / centres of further education and training.	Records of internal and external trainee progression. Data on support provided for trainees moving into initial stage of progression List of potential employers / centres of education and training where trainees progress.
QUALITY DOMAINS	GENERAL STANDARDS	EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CENTRE HAS MET STANDARD
	PREMISES The programme is located in an appropriate building/ accommodation. The building provides a safe, clean, welcoming and comfortable environment. The building is designed and decorated in a manner that would enhance the self-esteem of staff and trainees. Responsibility for management of the building/accommodation is clearly allocated.	Health & Safety statement. Plan of building, outline use of space. Records of building maintenance and repair. Organisational chart. Data of staff management and trainee satisfaction with the premises.
	EQUIPMENT Equipment and resources are provided in order to safely and effectively carry out all aspects of the programme. Responsibility for management of equipment is clearly allocated. Procedures are in place for regular maintenance and updating of equipment. Stock records are maintained.	Stock book / records. Documented evaluation of centre resources. Organisational chart. Records of maintenance and updating of equipment. Procedures for appropriate storage of equipment / resources. Records of staff meetings.
	HEALTH AND SAFETY There is a safe and healthy environment for trainees, staff and visitors. A health and safety statement is developed and circulated as appropriate to staff and trainees. Correct health and safety procedures are implemented in compliance with legislation. Responsibilities for health and safety are clearly allocated. Health and safety procedures are reviewed systematically. Health promotion is an integrated part of centre policy and practice.	Health & Safety Statement. Organisational chart. Centre policy and practice on health promotion. Records of staff / trainee training days in relation to health and safety. Records of meetings where health and safety issues are addressed. Outline of health promotion programmes operating in centre.
QUALITY DOMAINS	GENERAL STANDARDS	EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CENTRE HAS MET STANDARD
	STAFF TEAM Staff adapts a teamwork approach. Staff teams are comprised of individuals with key skills required to operate the various aspects of the programme Sufficient staff are in place so as to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the programme. An appropriate teacher: trainee ratio is established and applied to the various activities of the programme.	Skills audit for staff team. Records of staff meetings. Documentation on agreed teacher trainee ratios.
	EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Staff are recruited on the basis of appropriate experience and qualifications. Staff are encouraged and supported to gain training / qualifications appropriate to their changing role in the centre. Co-Ordinator/ Director is involved in recruitment of staff.	Documented guidelines for recruitment of staff. Records of staff recruitment.
	STAFF DEVELOPMENT An induction programme for new staff members operates in centres. On an annual basis staff development and training needs are assessed in co-operation with all staff members Staff are involved in the development of centre procedures and annual planning. Staff contribute to the evaluation of the centre against agreed national standards.	Induction pack / booklet. Records of staff assessment of training needs. Records of staff participation in staff development training programmes as well as development of centre procedure, policy, planning and evaluation.
QUALITY DOMAINS	GENERAL STANDARDS	EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CENTRE HAS MET STANDARD
	LEADERSHIP The Director/ Co-ordinator uses an appropriate management style. Leadership encourages a teamwork approach. Clear line management structures are in place. Clarity of role, responsibility and job description are outlined for each staff member.	Organisational chart. Records of team building training / staff days.
	SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT A regular structured opportunity is provided for staff to discuss their work, review progress and plan for the future with a more senior member of staff. Work related counselling is provided for staff as required.	Documentation of staff supervision procedures. Timetable of staff supervision. Documentation on work related counselling provision. Supports outlined in staff induction pack / brochure.
	COMMUNICATION Communication arrangements meet the needs of management, staff and trainees. Regular staff meetings, with opportunities for all staff to raise issues for discussion. Regular communication between all stakeholders, as appropriate, (i.e. trainees, staff, local/regional management, National Co-Ordinators, Department of Education & Science. Networking of centres/ workshops regionally Development of working relationship between centre and relevant individuals / organisations in the community to include the education, training, welfare, justice, health, youth and community sectors.	Memos Minutes of meetings. Evidence of reports. Annual plan of regional networking. Newsletters. Data on working relationship between centre and relevant individuals / organisers in the community.
	ADMINISTRATION Administration arrangements meet the needs of management, staff and trainees. Administration staff is based in the centre. Sufficient equipment and resources are provided in order to carry out all administration duties. A clear job description is outlined for administration staff. Clear guidelines are provided for the implementation of procedures relating to financial control of pay and non-pay budgets and trainee entitlements.	Timetable for administration staff working in centre. Data on equipment / resources provided for administration support. Job description for administration staff. Document procedures relating to financial control of pay and non-pay budgets and trainee entitlements.
	RECORD KEEPING Appropriate procedures for record keeping are established and maintained.	Records of procedures for record keeping. Database of trainees.
QUALITY DOMAINS	GENERAL STANDARDS	EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CENTRE HAS MET STANDARD
	FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT A system of financial management is in place that meets the needs of the centre and is in compliance with national guidelines. Appropriate financial records are maintained. Pay and non-pay budgets are effectively planned and managed. Responsibility for financial management is clearly allocated. Financial management systems are subject to external audit. Adequate insurance cover is in place to cover all activities of the programme.	Financial procedures / guidelines. Outline of projected annual pay and non-pay budgets. Organisational chart. Evidence of insurance cover.
	QUALITY MANAGEMENT A quality assurance process for the programme is clearly outlined. Management, staff and trainees are aware of the required quality standards and the procedures for implementing and evaluating standards. A centre plan is developed. Responsibility for quality management is clearly allocated	Centre plan. Outline of staff and trainee induction programme. Organisational chart. Internal evaluation report. External evaluation records
	INTERNAL EVALUATION The programme is evaluated on an annual basis by staff and management. The evaluation process and outcomes are documented in an annual report. The annual report is distributed to appropriate individuals / organisations. Trainees evaluate relevant aspects of the programme and this is fed into the annual report. Recommendations arising from the evaluation process are followed up in order to improve standards. Responsibility for internal evaluation is clearly allocated.	Annual evaluation documented and recommendations followed up. Trainee evaluation reports. Organisational chart.