Youth Work in Schools: an Investigation of Youth Work, as a Process of Informal Learning, in Formal Settings

A report commissioned by Northern Ireland's Department of Education looked at lessons to be learned from the Republic of Ireland's Youthreach service. The service is for 15- to 20-year-old school leavers at risk of long-term unemployment, and focuses on all areas of a young person's life, including personal development and education.

Although youth worker activity takes place at vocational centres rather than in school, the report says its emphasis on building relationships and treating young people as adults should be replicated in Northern Ireland.

One of the best ways to build these relationships, the report argues, is to ensure youth workers are a staple part of school life. This will help engage all pupils in the extended schools agenda because it has a strong focus on student-led learning. Heightened youth worker involvement will also help pupils who have become disengaged from learning.