Disclosure Log

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Question

Re: How local authorities provide youth services for young people with learning disabilities. I would appreciate any information you could share about specific projects or services for young people with learning disabilities in schools or the community. Additionally, I am interested in knowing whether young people with learning disabilities are accessing so-called ‘mainstream’ youth clubs or other provisions offered by the local authority.

Answer

Young People With Learning Disabilities and Access to Youth Service Provision Open Access Youth Clubs and Youth Service Work in Schools Community based youth clubs are referred to as ‘open access’ and not ‘mainstream’ youth clubs. In line with the five pillars of youth work, these clubs are open to any young person who wishes to engage, and they provide an inclusive and engaging environment for young people. All engagement with the youth service is on a voluntary basis and this means that young people are not required to disclose any information on their needs unless they want to. However, where needs are disclosed, reasonable adjustments will be made and there are some good examples of young people with neurodiverse needs and learning disabilities forming their own projects within their youth club setting, for example: Youth Inc at Treharris Boys and Girls Club – Weekly activities and projects for young people with additional learning needs and their parent/carers. This is young person led and provides informal personal and social learning opportunities and experiences through arts, crafts, sport, etc. Youth work in schools is generally targeted at groups of young people with specific needs. With regards to young people with learning disabilities the following is available: Agored Cymru Level One Personal and Social Education and Work-Related Education qualifications delivery to young people with additional learning needs attending a specialist provision based within a mainstream school. Differentiated learning is applied to accommodate young people’s needs. One to one support – whilst not specially aimed at young people with learning disabilities, the needs of individual young people are taken into consideration when action planning and reviewing progress. Young People’s Participation - young people attending the local special school take part in the annual youth mayor hustings and elections. Our current Deputy Youth Mayor, who was elected in November 2024 and was inaugurated in May 2025, attends this school. The participation officer and school staff will work closely together to support him during his term of office.