Valleys Kids have been formally recognised for their quality youth work, receiving the Bronze Quality Mark for Youth Work (QMYW) in Wales.

Administered by the Education Workforce Council (EWC), the QMYW is a national award which supports and recognises improving standards in the provision, practice, and performance of organisations that deliver youth work services. In order to receive the accreditation, youth work organisations must self-assess against a set of quality standards and pass an external assessment.

To achieve the Bronze Quality Mark, Valleys Kids were required to demonstrate that they included the building blocks for high-quality youth work in the delivery of their service provision. That includes engaging with young people in the shaping of its services, having a good understanding of the needs of the young people it works with, and policies, procedures and guidance in place to deliver a safe service.

Elise Stewart, Chief Executive of Valleys Kids said, “Valleys Kids is delighted to have achieved the Bronze Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales. This reflects the commitment to the quality of youth work within our organisation, and the value of youth work to young people and our communities.”

Valleys Kids offers free, open access, compelling alternatives to young people, many of whom face negative peer pressure to use escape routes (such as drugs and alcohol), and are at risk of abandoning school.

EWC’s Chief Executive, Hayden Llewellyn said, “I would like to congratulate Valleys Kids on receiving the Bronze QMYW.

“Provisions, such as those offered by Valleys Kids, offer an important alternative route for many young people in Wales. I am pleased to see that their hard work and commitment to supporting young people has been acknowledged”.

For more information, including details on which organisations hold a QMYW, and how your organisation can apply to be accredited, visit the EWC website.