Move to Improve Young People's Positive Destinations

A new drivecould be set to take place to get moreyoungDundonians into positive destinations and improve their employability skillsafter they leave school.

The City Governance Commitee will consider a new improvementplan which is designed to improve the participation of local 16-19 year-oldsin education, employmentor training.

A report explains that efforts are to be made to enhance the city's position in the National Annual Participation Measure, which assesses positivedestinationsachieved bythat age groupafter theyleave school.

A multi-agency group was establishedto look at the local situation and come up withsolutions.

Councillors will consider the report 'A Step Change on Positive Destinations for Young Dundonians' which proposes a way forward.

This includes a proposal to nominate a senior leader within each Secondary School to lead a multi-agency group and be responsible forensuring that all 16-19 year-oldyoung people in the school's community achieve a positive destination.

City Governance convener Councillor John Alexander said: "It is absolutely vitalfor the future of these young people and the city itself that we help many more of them into positive destinationsafter they leave school.

"A specially convened group has been analysing the situation and I am determined that we show a laser-focusedapproach to turn this around.

"Our young people deserve as much support as possible and I am impressed by how partners are coming together to improve prospects for young people needing supportand encouragement."

A 'Step Change on Positive Destinations for Young Dundonians' identifiessix key themes to improve Dundee's performance. Each theme has a young person's expectation' to focus the direction of the changes needed and subsequentactions.

These are:

1: Early Identification and Positive Destination Framework

Young Person's Expectation: my needs are identifiedin primary school and all partner organisations must work together to support my progression and planning for my post school future.

2: Responsibility for Tracking and Monitoring Young People Post School

Young Person's Expectation: my post school progress is monitoredjointly by all partner organisations, until I enter and maintaina positive destination. I am supported throughout by a single person who is accountable for my ongoing development.

3: Integrated Approach to DATA and Funding to Inform and Drive Coordination

Young Person's Expectation: all partner organisations will have a shared knowledge of my needs and find solutions to remove barriers through an integrated approach to data and funding.

4: Post School Opportunities

Young Persons Expectation: I will choose the correct post school opportunity at the right time with guidance at key stages and will be supported to make the right decision throughout my post school journey.

5: Engaging Communities and Families

Young Person's Expectation: Believe in me! We will create a culture within the city, its families and communities which expects that every young person can fulfil their true potential.

6: Additional Support Needs - A Key Challenge

Young Person's Expectation: my Additional Support Needs will be met through improved opportunities and support, and by the development of new transition approaches.

The City Governance Commitee meets on MondayApril 22.