Council leader Philip Atkins (second left ) next to winners Kate Sharratt, Dawn Forester, Lindsey - Marie Taylor and Barbara Hine.

County council initiative scoops national award

A team based at Leek High Specialist Technology School is celebrating after winning a national award for their work in supporting the young people of Leek.

Room 21, an initiative set up by the county council to provide a one-stop-shop for young people looking for help and support, scooped the Extended School Award at the Children and Young People Now 2009 Award ceremony in London.

The room provides a safe environment for students and families to get support from learning mentors, health professionals, parent support workers, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Youth Offending Team, Connexions and others without having to leave the room.

The judges were particularly impressed with the number of young people that used the service. Since the start of the new school year in September, there have already been 3,992 visits to Room 21. The support being offered there has directly contributed to improved behaviour and attendance at school and a reduction in the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

Lindsey-Marie Taylor, Senior Learning Mentor from Leek High School and the Room 21 Team were joined by Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Philip Atkins to collect the award.

He said: "This award is welcome recognition of the work that the county council, Leek High and partner organisations are doing to get help and support directly to young people who need it. Room 21 is a simple but innovative approach that is making a real difference and I want to thank everyone who works so hard to make unit a success and best in a strong class."

The panel of young people that judged the award entries in the Extended Schools category said of Room 21: "A simple but very effective idea that brings a range of services together and has had impressive results."

Page Last Modified: 01/12/2009 13:22:58

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