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Summer Learning Project

SUMMER LEARNING PROJECT; CROYDON

Croydon has the highest proportion of Year 11 leavers moving into the NEET group in South London and has areas of deprivation where there is a cycle of under achievement running through a number of generations.

The aim of the September Guarantee Summer Learning Project in Croydon is to increase the take up of College or Work Based Learning in provision by Year 11 leavers identified at risk of NEET by Connexions Personal Advisers from Prospects, schools and Integrated Support Service. The project aims to improve employability and remove barriers to the labour market entry by raising motivation and developing social skills. A programme of vocational tasters and other activities was run at the end of July 2005 at Croydon College. Each of the young people participating had the opportunity to participate in three vocational tasters from a menu offering, Web Design, Beauty Therapy, Dance Physical, Hospitality & Catering, Motor Vehicle and Plumbing. The final day was an outward-bound team building and personal development day.

The project is a collaborative initiative managed by Croydon College but run in partnership with Connexions South London, John Ruskin College and a training provider, SEETEC. The project is fully funded by the European Social Fund. Other partners include Croydon Youth Service, Croydon Integrated Support Service, the Learning and Skills Council South London, the 14-19 Strategy Steering Group, work based learning providers and schools and colleges.

Young people identified at risk of NEET were sent letters and a flyer inviting them to the activity and advising them of incentives for attending all week. Another letter was sent to their parents/guardians encouraging them to support their child to attend. The target group was divided up between Connexions Personal Advisers assigned to the project. Each of the Connexions Personal Advisers called the young people encouraging them to attend.

One example of the distance travelled was a young person who was originally referred to the Connexions Service and had a Statement of Special Educational Needs with significant emotional needs around confidence and depression. She was referred to a Connexions Specialist Personal Adviser in Spring 2003 and started receiving intensive support from them within school. Her mother was actively involved and advised the PA that her daughter would be very interested in attending if there was sufficient support for her. A Connexions Personal Adviser was assigned who would support her particular needs and monitor her for the duration of the project. This young person participated in one-to-one meetings with her Connexions Personal Adviser, used the Fast Tomato career guidance tool and participated in all three taster sessions and the activity day.

Contact: John Herbert, connexions Manager, Croydon. Tel. 02086861608