Stirling Community Learning and Development (CLD) - Stirling Council: How you knew it worked

The main focus of the project was to improve the wellbeing of the children and young people to positively impact on school attendance. SHANARRI wellbeing outcomes and indicators were used to evaluate the impact of the youth worker’s inputs at the end of each 6–8-week delivery cycle. These were used before, during and after group sessions to demonstrate improvement of the children and young people’s sense of wellbeing over a period of time. This was complemented by case studies which captured qualitative evidence to further demonstrate impact.  

Attendance was monitored before, during and after the 6–8-week group work block. This data was be used to measure improvements in the children and young person’s attendance. Data from a specific term showed that an average of 69% of the 43 participants improved or maintained their attendance levels (above 93%). 

Participants also showed measurable improvements towards the outcomes agreed at the start of the project. This was conducted over three terms of an academic session: 

Outcome 1: Young people are confident, resilient and optimistic for the future 

1.1 You report an increase in confidence - 72%

1.2 You speak in a group and share your opinions - 70%

1.3 You ask for help if needed - 56%

1.4 When faced with a problem, you come up with a solution - 67%

1.5 You respond positively to advice - 61%

1.6 You can identify what you learn when you do not succeed in something - 62%

1.7 You participate in youth work when it is difficult for you to do so - 50%

1.8 You have a plan to achieve your goals - 56%

1.9 You know you can make a difference - 53%

Outcome 2: Young people manage personal, social and formal relationships 

2.1 You show respect towards others - 46%

2.2 You resolve conflicts peacefully within your relationships - 48%

2.3 You are positive about people who are different to you - 42%

2.4 You communicate effectively with others using a range of methods - 49%

2.5 You behave appropriately in a range of contexts - 50%

2.6 You are able to make new friends - 43%

2.7 You manage friendships - 48%

2.8 You express your thoughts and feelings to appropriate adults (youth workers, teachers, GPs) - 51%

Children and young people achieved a Hi Five youth award. As a result of gaining this award, participants had an increased sense of personal achievement. 

Goal setting was a part of the sessions. As a result, the children and young people identified their own improvement goals and assessed their progress at regular points over the 6–8-weeks. This helped them to understand the importance of setting goals and ensured they were achievable. 

The project provided opportunities to improve relationships and communication between the Community Learning and Development (CLD) team and school staff. The value of a cross sectoral partnership was positively experienced by those involved and connected to the project. The broad range of support, topics covered and the unique engagement of CLD staff was also recognised.  

The project also expanded opportunities for children and young people to engage in community-based youth work provision. This was testimony to the strong relationships they have with the youth work staff delivering in schools.