Youth work scheme boosts school attendance in Blaenau Gwent
A partnership between youth work provision and secondary schools in Blaenau Gwent is making positive strides in improving pupils' school attendance
Last updated 28th Feb 2025
A partnership between youth work provision and secondary schools in Blaenau Gwent is making positive strides in improving pupils' school attendance.
With dedicated Youth Workers in all secondary schools in the borough, the Blaenau Gwent Youth Service 11-16 team provides one-on-one and group support, tailored to individual needs.
During half term this week a group of young people aged 11-16 have been enjoying a residential course at the Summit Centre in Treharris, taking part in confidence boosting activities such as climbing and caving.
Summer, 15, who attends Brynmawr Foundation School is a member of the youth group and was learning how to rock climb at the Summit Centre.
She said:
“Before I started youth club there were days when I didn’t want to go to school because of people or subjects. My attendance was down in the 80s.
“But going to youth club on a Monday night has really helped with my confidence....
....and behaviour and talking to the youth workers made me realise it was important to attend school for my whole future, not just for my education.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said:
“Youth work provides far more than just activities – it creates safe spaces where young people can truly flourish and reach their full potential.
“I’m delighted to see the impact this scheme is having in Blaenau Gwent, not only in improving school attendance, but also enhancing young people’s wellbeing and confidence. It is giving young people a voice and helping them make positive choices and seize opportunities that will shape their futures."
The latest Welsh Government statistics showed the average attendance in 2024/25 to date is 91.0%, up slightly from 90.4% over the same period in 2023/24.
Older pupils continue to have the worst attendance rates, with Year 11 pupils attending only 87.1% of sessions to date.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Cabinet Member for People & Education said:
“We are on a journey, working with our schools and partners, to improve attendance here in Blaenau Gwent. The role of youth workers in our schools is absolutely fundamental in helping young people to attend and to achieve, as well as being a trusted person to listen to them and provide support and advice.”
Youth workers are placed to engage young people in discussions around risky behaviour and often act as the bridge into more specialist support.
The Welsh Government say they will provide over £11.4m to local authorities through the Youth Support Grant in 2025-26 to support youth work provision across Wales.