Embedding quality

Through our partnership with Quality in Stydy Support (QiSS), Summer Unis will provide consistently high quality activities and courses to young people.

Evidence shows that high quality services are key to making a real and lasting impact on young people’s life chances. The delivery of consistently excellent quality courses and activities is why THSU was chosen by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) to rollout the Summer Uni model across London.

To maintain this standard across London, we are assisting all Summer Unis as they work towards achieving QiSS kite mark recognition for their 'out-of-school-hours-learning' activities. QiSS provides independent evaluation and support to Summer Unis through a 'Critical Friends' network.

We can provide access to:

• Training
• Critical friend support
• Quality Assurance tools
• Sharing good practice
• An expectation to undertake quality assurance
• Network support
• Practice focus workshops

Our aim is that within three years every Summer Uni will have achieved at least QiSS 'emerged status'. Summer Unis can work in clusters of three or four to provide support to each other and share good practice.

We recommend that evidence is gathered for QiSS recognition from the beginning, including setting up filing systems to capture relevant evidence and using the QiSS framework when planning a Summer Uni. This good practice can help you work towards gaining other kite marks.

The commitment to develop Summer Unis in each Local Authority with nationally recognised quality assurance will lead the field nationally and promote London as a city of excellence in youth provision.