Positive Assessment in Department for Education Accreditation
We are pleased that we have successfully passed our Matrix Assessment by the Department for Education for our Accredited Programmes Delivery Standards with a positive response. This accreditation, delivered by The Growth Company, highlights the exceptional quality of our work in adult education and training, affirming our role as a leader in developing young theatrical talent and supporting progression into employment.
The assessment praised strengths in several key areas, including:
- Safeguarding: The NYT has developed a robust safeguarding system, ensuring the physical and emotional safety of its members. The inclusion of a dedicated Wellbeing Manager and psychotherapist within the team further underscores the organisation’s commitment to emotional support, which is particularly vital for students with mental health challenges.
- Pastoral Care: NYT’s trauma-informed practice and commitment to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment were highly commended. With comprehensive support provided through Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), students feel empowered to overcome personal barriers and progress toward their goals.
- Progression to Employment: The assessment highlighted the strong pathways NYT offers its students, with many progressing to higher education, further training including the NYT REP Company or securing employment within the creative industries. The ‘next steps’ meetings and mentoring, alongside access to sector opportunities are invaluable resources for students looking to enter the workforce.
- Inclusion and Diversity: The assessment celebrated NYT’s genuine commitment to inclusivity, noting that over half of its students identify as part of the global majority and a significant proportion identify as LGBTQ+. NYT’s proactive approach to widening participation has created a welcoming environment for all backgrounds and identities.
As a charity supported by Arts Council England and other grant-making trusts, NYT will continue to build on this success, ensuring that young people from all walks of life have access to the arts and the opportunity to develop vital skills for their future.
This accreditation is a reflection of our ongoing dedication to nurturing talent, promoting inclusion, and providing young people with the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
We will continue to build on this work, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have access to the arts and the opportunity to develop vital skills for their future. This will include seeking national education delivery partners to expand the availability of and access to our unique Accredited Programmes to service this essential gap in the education offer for young people.
Find out more about our accredited course Playing Up