Career information, advice and guidance services in West Dunbartonshire have received a positive report from the education body’s review team.

Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) careers service scored top marks in a report from Education Scotland.

The review, published today, cited an area of excellent practice from SDS staff in the area, praising the team’s approach to supporting young people with mental health issues.

The West Dunbartonshire team received four grades of ‘very good’ and one ‘good’.

SDS provides free, impartial career information, advice and guidance for people of all ages across the area.

Sharon Kelly, SDS head of operations west, said: “The Education Scotland review demonstrates the commitment and hard work that goes into delivering our career information, advice and guidance services across West Dunbartonshire.

“I am extremely proud of colleagues working in the area, and I was delighted to see that Education Scotland highlighted the Nurture Group approach and the positive impact this has had on so many vulnerable young people.”

Mary Carson, SDS area manager for West Dunbartonshire, added: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome, which is testament to the hard work of colleagues delivering our services across the area. I’d particularly like to thank the team, not only for their ongoing efforts but for the contribution they all made to ensuring the review process went smoothly.”

The report highlights the effective and welcoming service that the team delivers across the area, with the effective planning of services jointly carried out by the teams in Dumbarton and Clydebank also receiving praise.

Also noted was the strong contribution the team makes to strategic partnership planning, helping to maximise resources and avoid duplication.

How the team prepares young people in schools for further learning and employment opportunities by providing services which are tailored to the needs of individual young people was also applauded.

National skills body SDS offers free, impartial career information, advice and guidance for people of all ages in secondary schools, centres and community venues across Scotland.