Using the Youth Justice Interactive Learning Space effectively

Using the Youth Justice Interactive Learning Space effectively A manager’s guide

YJILS Log on to www. yjils. org. uk You will then need Your Team key code and Your personal user ID

Why use the YJILS ? It is a flexible and accessible learning resource for continuing professional development It is available for all the Youth Justice workforce and in times of financial restraint is a valuable asset All the materials can be downloaded and used in a variety of ways for either individuals or groups

What’s on the YJILS? Exploring the Youth Justice system – an introduction The Youth Rehabilitation Order in practice Safeguarding and Public Protection resources YJ Dictionary Social work aids to practice Study skills toolkit Professional Development Resources ( Training materials )

Professional Development Resources ( Training materials) Mental Health Substance Misuse Accommodation Young People who sexually abuse Employment, Training and Education Parenting Offending Behaviour programmes Engaging young people who offend Restorative Justice Assessment (Autumn 2011) Court Skills and Pre. Sentence Reports (Spring 2012)

How can the YJILS be used ? In supervision Learning mentors Individually Team events Learning pairs Training events

One to One Supervision In 1: 1 supervision to identify practice/learning gaps and help in setting learning goals and objectives through the application of the learning to improve performance Case studies/practitioner files can be used to help demonstrate how something could be done differently and the learning applied

Individually – allows a piece of learning to be identified and a timescale set for completion by the individual on their own A certificate can be printed off for their own personal record of achievement or CV.

Learning pairs/buddies Learning pairs or buddies - people with similar learning needs can learn together sharing knowledge and experience as well as supporting each other and applying their learning to their own practice

Learning mentors By the individual alongside a learning mentor – this needs to be a more experienced practitioner with knowledge of the YJILS. Senior practitioners often value this opportunity in demonstrating that they have the competency to develop others.

Team/Group events A team study event. All the courses have downloadable resources for face to face learning and this can allow a team to study a specific topic. An event can be boosted by an individual learning on the YJILS both before and after the event – a 'top and tail' approach that enables 'blended' learning.

Training events Large training events can make the most out of the YJILS by preparing participants beforehand by identifying relevant parts of modules to study before the event as pre – reading All materials on the YJILS are downloadable so can be used and given out at the event Further support to embed the learning can be encouraged post the event by identifying activities on the YJILS

Management Information Managers can find out information either by user or by course This can be: How often an individual has used YJILS, which courses/modules have been started/completed and when How many attempts have been made at the Learning and Knowledge check and their maximum score

Inspections All the HMIP Inspectors have been registered on YJILS Before any inspection, it would be advisable to gather management information about YJILS useage Inspectors may ask for a report about general useage either by the team or completion of specific courses

What else ? Volunteers are an important part of the team and they have access to YJILS. Often they will have a more flexible timetable and value the opportunity to use YJILS Can you give your staff 2 hours a month for CPD study ? Is there a commitment to learning and development and a culture of reflective practice ? Setting an example of using the YJILS will make a difference. If other people see that you value the YJILS, they will follow your lead. Is there somewhere quiet where individuals can study or can they go elsewhere for study time?

Quotes about the YJILS “Kirklees YOT uses the YJILS as an integral part of the induction process for all new staff, including volunteers. The YOT has also used the materials to deliver training sessions by our own advanced practitioners to ensure knowledge and understanding is maintained to a high standard. The YJILS continues to be an excellent learning and development tool for practitioners and volunteers within Youth Justice. It provides a wealth of knowledge in relation to Youth justice which can all be accessed under one click. The volunteers in the YOT are also very supportive of this system and use it as a learning and development tool to enhance their own continued personal development. ” Emma from Kirklees.

Quotes from YJ Teams “All of our staff have found the materials on YJILS accessible and up to date - they are an invaluable reference for effective practice……. They are great for anyone studying with the Open University towards the Foundation Degree in youth justice and the PDRs are a particularly useful resource which we use to compliment our staff development programme. We frequently refer to the materials on YJILS during staff supervision and in performance management discussions, they have proved to be a valuable resource for continued professional development. . “ Claire from Walsall.

www. yjils. org. uk If you have any queries or would like to discuss how to use the YJILS more effectively or book a demonstration workshop, contact your regional Workforce Development Adviser or Ruth Searle on ruth. searle@yjb. gov. uk