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What changes have happened as a result of the Young Inspectors programme?

Services have listened to the Young Inspectors to make a difference

109 improvements have been made so far, for example…

  • Website changes making it young person friendly.
  • Numerous repairs, maintenance, cleaning and gardening works carried out at different buildings.
  • New ways of contacting services such as by text message.
  • Information has been improved at our customer access points and buildings such as signs, leaflets, notice boards and new furnishings.
  • Increased choices within services such as meals and activities
  • New ways of working such as new 'meet and greet' at receptions.
  • More staff training and improved induction.

What have the Young Inspectors done so far?

  • Carried out 26 inspections over the school holidays.
  • 1,738 positive areas have been highlighted.
  • 162 improvements have been made.
  • Raised £351 for Safe at Last Charity and £667 for Rotherham Children’s Hospital through a cake sale and raffle.
  • Been bowling, to the pantomime and Nando’s for our Christmas get together.
  • Visited Lincoln Young Inspectors and hosted a visit from them at Clifton Park
  • Developed a Facebook and Twitter page for the Young Inspectors.
  • Won highly commended at the CYPNow Awards 2016/2017 for ‘The Youth Volunteering and Social Action Award’.
Young inspectors - website inspectionYoung inspectors work recognised

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion

"Their passion and commitment to this work is very clear and I really commend them for it. It is vital that the services we provide in this town are fit for purpose, and that the young people are listened to. So often I see services developed in isolation without even consulting the people they are for. This is clearly wrong and you are doing a lot to address that. I am glad that when the inspectors identify weaknesses and report them – action is taken. My grateful thanks to all the young people for making our services stronger."

Sarah Champion – Member of Parliament for Rotherham

The Young Inspectors - You said, we did:

Young Inspectors told us…

One resident felt that the people that are trying with education can’t go to the fun, rewarding activities.

We have… made opportunities available for all care leavers including:

  • Booked in evening tenants and residents activities.
  • Arranging activities during half terms.
  • Two care leavers (1 from Nelson Street) have won places to cook with Jamie Oliver in his London Restaurant. Two members of staff from the Care Leavers team are supporting them.

Young Inspectors told us…

The Council website was not easy to navigate around.

We have… reviewed and revamped the whole website information for Early Help - improving information and access at the first point of contact. All information and contact details have been reviewed, new pages can be quickly updated by Heads of Centres, there is an interactive 0- 19 'pathway' providing information on services available and a new service directory which allows visitors to search 'what's on' in their area.

Young Inspectors told us…

There isn't appropriate signage

We have… introduced a large Barnardo's sign on the side of the building facing the road. Additional signage has also been added to the front doors.

Young Inspectors told us…

You could rake leaves into a compost pile and grow a veg patch in the garden.

We have… A leaf blower to assist in keeping leaves tidy and both young people now take part in attending to an allotment. We have also purchased seeds and seed trays which have been planted.

Young Inspectors told us…

Could have a lounge (waiting area) – could do with sofas.

We have… cleared out the small office and new chairs are being sought to create a comfortable waiting area along with a new carpet and decorated.

Young Inspectors told us…

One member of staff said they need training and support to do their job better.

We have… All mandatory training is delivered as required. A new training matrix is in place and training is organised as required including specialist training relevant to the service.


What is on the Young Inspectors schedule next?

The Young Inspectors have a packed scheduled planned for the year 2017. There are also a number of areas and themes, aligned to our priorities and the Young Inspectors preference, to focus inspection on in the future.


Ian Thomas

"We have to ensure the decisions we make and the services we put in place fit the expectations and needs of our young people. The Young Inspectors programme lets us view those decisions and services through a young person's eyes and gives us a much better understanding of where improvements can be made."

Ian Thomas - Strategic Director for Children and Young People's Services

Social media

For more information on what Inspections have already taken place and for regular updates on the Young Inspectors programme please see our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

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