School-based youth programme expands to second city

The scheme, run by charity City Year, sees inspirational 18 to 25-year-olds work in schools full-time offering pupils help with numeracy and literacy skills, advice on building confidence and tackling problem behaviour.

During the 2013/14 academic year, 160 youth volunteers, known as corp members, will volunteer 195,000 hours, working in teams across 17 English primary and secondary schools. Around 10,000 children will be able to access corp members, with intensive curriculum support being available to 1,000 of the most vulnerable pupils.

This year for the first time the scheme is to operate in schools outside of London, with corp members working in six primary and secondary schools in Birmingham.

Corp members are drawn from local schools, universities and colleges and serve as role models, mentors and tutors. City Year organisers say the corp members’ energy, enthusiasm and commitment creates a culture of achievement at the school and helps pupils feel safe.

As well as academic support, the youth volunteers interact with children during break and play times to help reinforce no-bullying cultures, and lead breakfast and after-school clubs.

The programme also helps youth volunteers develop their own employment skills, with corp members given leadership training, CV and interview guidance and presentation skills. More than nine out of 10 of last year’s corp members have gone on to secure further education, training or employment opportunities.

Backing from financial services company Credit Suisse has helped expand the programme to Birmingham this year.

Sophie Livingstone, chief executive of City Year, said: “It’s inspirational to see young people answering our call to give a year. Our ability to reach the 10,000 pupil landmark in our fourth year of operation in the UK is thanks to their talent, energy and dedication and we hope the experience will empower them to continue to make a difference to their communities.”