REPORT SHOWS BENEFITS OF FUNDING PACKAGE

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A report by Departments of Education inspectors and Office of Social Services finds that the Children and Young People Funding Package has helped people in the Newry area.

The Children and Young People Funding Package (CYPFP) has benefited the people it was targeted at, according to a report from the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) and the Office of Social Services in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

The agencies evaluated several strands of the package in the greater Newry area. The report indicates that the additional funding has had a positive impact in beginning to improve the health, well-being and learning outcomes for children, young people and families in the area.

The CYPFP, launched in March 2006, aimed to reduce underachievement and improve the life chances of children and young people by enhancing their educational development and fostering their health, well-being and social inclusion.

Chief inspector Ms Marion Matchett said:

“The pace of the implementation of the Children and Young People Funding Package was challenging to all those involved, especially the short timescales in the allocation and distribution of funding. Nevertheless, our findings indicate that many of the programmes funded have already brought benefits for those who are most in need of help.”

She mentioned the implementation of child protection reforms, the increased number of qualified counsellors and the Extended Schools initiative which led to increased motivation among pupils and a better awareness of health-related matters and the importance of learning across the wider community.

The report highlighted some actions that could improve further the outcomes for learners, including the availability of continued, long-term investment over agreed and more manageable timescales. It also urged better communication and collaboration between the agencies and schools involved.

Ms Matchett concluded:

“This report highlights that the funding package is already making a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families and to the communities from which they come. If the recommendations of the report are implemented, and the objectives set out at the unveiling of the package are met, then there is the potential for improved outcomes for those most in need of help and support.”

Read the report on www.etini.gov.uk.


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