BIYS - Alternative Curriculum
Bexley Integrated Youth Service is currently part of the Children and Young Peoples Services Directorate of Bexley Council. The Youth Service in Bexley has been established for over 30 years. During this time the service has continued to develop a variety of services for young people in the borough. The aim of the service has always been to provide high quality youth work in a variety of settings. The Government paper, “Transforming Youth Work “ published in December 2002 further encouraged youth services across the country to commit to providing high quality innovative services to young people. Bexley Integrated Youth Service is committed to making a difference to the lives of young people, ensuring a smooth transition to adulthood. Through delivery of a flexible and informal service, youth workers are able to reach out to some of the most “hard to reach” young people enabling them to reach their personal goals. The Youth Service – four key principles:
- Participation
- Empowerment
- Equality of Opportunity
- Education
All of the work that is delivered by both agencies is underpinned by the five “Every Child Matters,” outcomes.
- Being Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Enjoying and Achieving
- Making a Positive Contribution
- Economic Well-being
Benefits
Bexley Integrated Youth Services (BIYS) provides an exciting and challenging Alternative Curriculum Programme aimed at young people aged 11 - 18 years. The programme promotes personal and social development alongside training and education outside of a formal classroom setting. It has been successful in engaging with even the most disaffected young people through stimulating and productive outdoor-based programmes. These include Project, Personalised Pathway and the Leadership and Development Programme. Supported by specialist modules and mainstream education, young people are able to improve their learning, performance, confidence and independence as well as social, communication, life and leadership skills. The BIYS Awards and Accreditation Team (AAA team) all hold national youth work qualifications, National Governing Body Awards and hold an Adventurous Activities License from the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) and the Operating License for the Duke of Edinburgh Award in the borough. All opportunities are fully accessible. Buying into this service will provide access to excellent activity programmes which provide valuable support to young people as they grow from dependence to independence. BIYS provides a range of core programmes through accredited training and has the flexibility to create bespoke courses to address individual needs of young people.