Scarborough-based Futureworks NY has been awarded the coveted Matrix quality standard for information advice and guidance services in its sector.

The accreditation, which is delivered by the Growth Company on behalf of the Department of Education, has been given to the team in recognition of the quality of work it does.

Futureworks NY is a charity helping learners from school age upwards.

Michelle Padron-Kitching, co-founder of Futureworks NY, said: “We are delighted with the news.

"The conditions of the accreditation are rigorous, and we had to submit evidence, sample records, our policies, business plan and send in lots of other documentation as part of the assessment process.”

Sarah Thornton, also a co-founder of Futureworks NY, said: “We worked very hard to set up Futureworks NY, which we founded in 2012 and this accreditation is testament to all the hard work that is carried out by the whole team.”

The report states: “Futureworks NY can demonstrate this through ongoing reviews, distance travelled tools, feedback, recorded outcomes and project evaluations.

" Over the past 12 months, the organisation has supported 109 learners, with 62 still active and working to a plan, 60% of completed learners progressing to a positive destination such as college or employment, and 50 qualifications achieved.”

The assessors noted the strengths of Futureworks included staff promoting the importance of high-quality information, partnership-working, working with the local community and with specialist services to provide learners with targeted specialist support.

Sarah continued: “We are delighted that once again we’ve been given this quality standard.

"Our aim is to help changes lives in the Scarborough area, ensuring our learner receive the right support at the right time.”