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Young Inspectors complete first inspection
Published on July 09, 2009
Under the Young Inspectors programme, launched on Thursday 2 July by Jigsaw4u, Mitcham children’s charity and Sutton Council, five young inspectors – Kimberly Chimbganda, 18, Kimberly Mcnally, 18, Nicola Jackson, 16, Joshua Mcnally, 17 and Josephine Nampiina, 18, have completed the first inspection of Jigsaw4u itself – its building and services.
Kimberly Chimbganda, from Mitcham, says “The aim of the Young Inspectors scheme is to make public services more child-friendly so that they cater for children’s needs and the building is more accessible, has facilities for kids and feels more welcoming for them. We’ve given them feedback and recommended changes. We’ll visit them again in two months’ time to see if things have changed.”
Under the Youth4u - Young Inspectors programme, Jigsaw4u is working with Sutton Council to recruit, train and support young people to investigate and assess local services and recommend improvements. Young inspectors will be given the opportunity to achieve accredited qualifications through the programme. Eny Osung, Local Support Worker from Jigsaw4u has been working with the young people to train and support them. He has been assisted by Laila Ahmed from Jigsaw4u.
Anne Davies, chief executive, Jigsaw4u says “We’re glad to be the first inspection and we’re looking forward to the return visit. It was wonderful to be asked such insightful questions and not to be let off the hook.”
Recommendations made by the Young Inspectors for Jigsaw4u includes a wheelchair ramp at the entrance of the building and more posters in the family room.
At last week’s launch, Ian Birnbaum, Director Children’s Services said “The Young Inspectors scheme is about developing young people as active citizens to make them feel they can make a difference and this leads to better services. They are going to tell us how they find the services and in a measured, sensible way.”
Mandy Douglas, programme manager, National Children’s Bureau, said “In eight weeks Jigsaw4u put together a training programme, inspection and report – this is a significant achievement. We’re asking young people to do a job of work and so we’re paying them – that’s unique in this field.”
For the Sutton Young Inspectors scheme, there will be 12 inspections a year and for each one, young people receive two days of training on confidence, communication, research, presenting and inspection skills before carrying out an inspection on the third day and putting together the report. The reports are sent to the Department for Children Schools and Families, the inspected organisation receives a copy and the findings are presented to local youth organisations like the Youth Parliament.
To find out more about the scheme contact Charlene Quinn on 020 8770 5157 or email charlene.quinn@sutton.gov.uk
