Evaluation Title

What's the Point: using drama to engage young people at risk

Type of evaluation

Data type Qualitative and Quantitative

Evaluation Focus Attitudinal change, Distinctive contribution of Arts, Emotional Literacy

Key indicators Attitudinal change, Progression Routes, Relationships with staff, Skills development

Methodologies Interviews, Observation, Outcomes analysis, Questionnaires

Research limitations Pilot programme

Summary of evaluation

This report summarises the findings of case study research into a drama based Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) project.

The findings of this case study research suggest the following factors need to be considered and implemented for the effective use of arts projects within key programmes targeting young people at risk, such as PAYP:
•    Key planning and structure factors
•    Skills and expertise of the arts (drama) facilitators
•    Levels of key worker involvement
•    Effective liaison and planning between partners.

Project description

The project was delivered using the Drama Enrichment materials which form part of the Youth Justice Board (YJB) PLUS strategy.

PAYP aimed to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour both in the short and long term, support young people back into education or training and help them stay there, by working with those at risk of truancy. PLUS was part of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Skills for Life
strategy, and was funded jointly by DfES, Youth Justice Board and Arts Council England - a series of Arts Enrichment programmes was developed as a resource to support delivery of the PLUS Strategy.

A 10-day pilot project was facilitated by two workers from TiPP (Theatre in Prisons and Probation), over a two-week period. The project involved nine young people, aged between 12 and 17, identified and referred to PAYP, and included the support and active involvement of three key workers.

Key Quote

Participants’ attitudes to key workers and other adults involved in the study underwent a positive change and their attitudes to group work improved significantly during the project; by the end of the project a strong group bond had formed. These outcomes reflect and reinforce the findings of other major studies into this area of work.


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