The research paper describes in detail the impact of non-formal learning on life chances, demonstrating how impacting on self-efficacy, motivation, self-control and interpersonal skills lead to better outcomes in education, employment, health and the local environment.
As individuals' transitions to adulthood are strongly influenced by their social position, and access to non-formal learning and youth work is unequal, the challenge for policy makers, the research says, is to close the gap in life experiences and outcomes by broadening opportunities for engagement in effective non-formal activities.
It comes up with 10 recommendations built around the current policy environment. These include that youth work should play a role in the additional support required to navigate mainstream education and make good choices in the light of the recent 14-19 qualification reforms, and that the current drive to raise the participation age in education to 18 should recognise that non-formal learning opportunities afforded by statutory and voluntary youth services should remain an option.
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