Award-winning partnership helping young people thrive celebrated at regional awards

Cheshire East Council's Youth Support Service is celebrating after an innovative partnership project supporting vulnerable young people won a prestigious regional award.

The Crewe Multi-Agency Transition Pilot has been named winner of the Partnerships Award at the North West Association of Directors of Children's Services (NWADCS) IMPACT Awards, recognising its outstanding work helping young people successfully transition from school into further education, training and employment. 

Funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB), the pilot was created to reduce the number of young people becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) by providing coordinated, intensive support at a critical stage in their lives. 

The project brought together the council, schools, Cheshire College South and West, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), health partners and neighbouring local authorities to support 42 vulnerable young people moving from three secondary schools in Crewe into further education. 

By working together to identify risk early, share information and provide targeted support, partners have helped young people overcome barriers and remain engaged in education and training. 

The award recognises the strength of the partnership approach, which has been built on shared accountability, communication and a collective commitment to improving outcomes for young people. 

One of the pilot's most successful innovations has been the redesign of the DWP School Adviser role. Instead of providing support only when challenges emerged, advisers worked proactively with young people before and during their transition into further education. Acting as a trusted and consistent adult, advisers helped young people navigate change and access support when needed. 

The success of this approach has already attracted wider attention, with the DWP committing to expand the model across the region and using the learning to help shape national practice. 

The pilot also developed a shared framework to identify young people at risk of disengaging from education at an earlier stage. This enabled partners to intervene sooner and ensured colleges could put tailored support in place from day one. 

The project aligns closely with national priorities around early intervention, inclusion, SEND reform, participation and youth justice prevention. Its success has established a scalable model that is already being expanded into other areas, including Macclesfield, Ellesmere Port, Warrington and Winsford. 

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for children's services, said:

"This award is fantastic recognition for everyone involved in the Crewe Multi-Agency Transition Pilot and, most importantly, for the positive difference it is making to young people's lives. 

"The transition from school into further education can be challenging, particularly for young people facing additional barriers or vulnerabilities. Through strong partnership working, we have created a model that provides the right support at the right time, helping young people to remain engaged, build confidence and achieve their ambitions. 

"What makes this initiative particularly special is the way organisations have come together around a shared goal. By combining expertise, sharing information and focusing on the needs of young people, we have developed an approach that is already influencing practice beyond Cheshire East. 

"I am incredibly proud of everyone involved and delighted that their commitment, innovation and collaboration have been recognised through this prestigious regional award." 

The NWADCS IMPACT Awards celebrate outstanding practice, innovation and leadership across Children's Services in the North West, recognising individuals and teams that are making a significant difference to the lives of children, young people and families. The awards showcase effective practice, encourage collaboration and help spread successful approaches across the region.