The Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service (YJS) has been awarded a Quadrant 1 rating – a status given only to youth justice services that demonstrate consistently strong outcomes, effective leadership and high‑quality, child‑first practice.
In an official letter last week, the Youth Justice Board (YJB) confirmed that the Island’s service has been placed in the highest possible category in its national oversight framework.
“Sustained progress in data quality and service delivery”
The announcement follows a detailed assessment by the YJB’s Performance Oversight Board, which praised the Isle of Wight team for “sustained progress in data quality and service delivery”, strong partnership work, and its leadership in embedding the Child First framework.
The Board also commended the service for continually focusing on the needs of “children, families and the communities you serve” and expressed an intention to share the Island’s approach with other youth justice teams across the country.
Whittaker: A remarkable accomplishment
Ashley Whittaker, strategic director for children’s services at the Isle of Wight Council and chair of the Island’s Youth Justice Board, said he could not be prouder of the team. He said,
“To move from a third‑quadrant position two years ago to Quadrant 1 today is a remarkable accomplishment and a clear reflection of the team’s skill, commitment and determination.
“The service has worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for children, families and victims on the Island. Their creativity, their problem‑solving and their willingness to embrace new approaches have all played a major part in this success.
“This recognition is well deserved, and while we know there is still more to do, including strengthening specialist support for children, today’s achievement shows just how far the team has come.
“I am confident they will continue to build on this success in the months and years ahead.”
Hayles: We are proud of how far we have come
Ruth Hayles, service lead for contextual safeguarding and youth justice, said,
“This recognition means a great deal to the whole team.
“Our focus has always been on supporting children and young people to make positive changes in their lives, and to see that work acknowledged nationally is incredibly rewarding.
“We’ve strengthened our partnerships, invested in high‑quality practice and continually refined how we respond to risks and vulnerabilities in young people’s lives.
“Most importantly, we have listened to children and families and adapted our approach to meet their needs more effectively.
“We are proud of how far we have come and we remain absolutely committed to doing even more to ensure every young person has the chance to achieve safer, more positive futures.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
