The initiative, which launched in 2011, is primarily available to 16- and 17-year-olds, but a draft version of a royal charter setting out the governance arrangements of the NCS Trust, the organisation that runs the programme, sets out that 15- to 25-year-olds will also be able to take part "from time to time".
Children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities are already allowed to take part in the initiative up to the age of 25, although the wording of the royal charter makes no distinction along these lines.
Speaking during a public bill committee meeting, youth minister Rob Wilson said the royal charter reflects current NCS practice and is designed for exceptional circumstances when someone is unable to do the programme when they are 16 or 17.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
