Published on 

Minister Zappone launches What Works national programme to deliver learning and development opportunities for professionals working with children and young people

  •  What Works aims to maximise the impact of prevention and early intervention to improve the lives of children and young people
  • Action Learning is an approach to problem solving and learning in small groups (‘sets’) to bring about significant change in individuals, teams, organisations and systems  

As part of the ongoing programme of front-running innovations under the What Works Initiative, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD, today announced the launch of a national programme of Action Learning Sets.

Action Learning is an approach to problem solving and learning in small groups (‘sets’) to bring about significant change in individuals, teams, organisations and systems.

This national programme of Action Learning Sets is aligned with the priority of the What Works Initiative, to deliver learning and development opportunities for professionals working with children and young people at a range of levels in policy, provision and practice.

The themes identified as the focus of these groups will cover the range of issues which front-line practitioners have identified as crucial to address, so that the best possible service can be delivered for children and young people.

What Works Action Learning Sets are being run in regions across Ireland and participation is open to all professionals working with children, young people and their families on a first come, first served basis. There is no cost to participation.

Minister Zappone said:

I am delighted to launch this learning opportunity for those working with children, young people and their families. Action learning sets provide a vital forum for practitioners to share practice, wisdom and address common problems.

It is clear that providing abundant, relevant and robust learning opportunities for all those working in this sector is essential to addressing the disadvantage many children and young people face. In particular, What Works, which focuses on prevention and early intervention approaches, is capable of transforming the lives of children, young people and their families across Ireland.