Education Advocate Support Team (Part of Telford & Wrekin Youth Service)

EAST Project works within two different remits

1. Working with permanently excluded pupils/unplaced pupils in KS3/KS4

2. Working within pupil retention KS3/KS4

Permanently Excluded Pupils/Unplaced Pupils

Goals of Provision

• Stop the potential drift of excluded young people away from school and education generally
• Support their re-integration into school or other suitable education provision
• Provide opportunities to develop individuals self-esteem and confidence
• Provide opportunities to develop communication skills and become more skilled become more skilled at interpersonal relationships
• Explore barriers to being a productive learner
• Encourage individuals to recognise the worth of 'education' and learn how to become life long learners
• Develop links and partnership working with relevant agencies to enable youth workers to act as advocates for individuals

Method

Working in partnership with Education & Training.

Pupils referred via Pupil Services.

Working within small groups young people are supported to develop individual outcomes. Pupils are encouraged to evaluate and reflect on learning and achievement and how this may be developed. The project is based on the premise that there are major underlying reasons for disengagement and disaffection from school - for example, poor self-esteem and self-worth. The project works from a person-centred approach using positive reinforcement and achievement.

Working Within Pupil Retention

Goals of Provision

• Negotiate individual programmes for intervention/engagement/support work
• Support schools pupil plan
• Assist in pupil retention
• Provide opportunities to develop individuals self-esteem and confidence
• Provide opportunities to develop communication skills and become more skilled at interpersonal relationships
• Explore barriers to being a productive learner
• Encourage individuals to recognise the work of 'Education' and learn how to become lifelong learners
• Develop links and partnership working with relevant agencies to enable us to act as advocates for individuals as appropriate

Refferal Process

• Identification of young person
• EAST to be invited to pupil planning meeting/pastoral care meeting/school meeting to explore the options of working on partnership with school to move young person forward
• Identification of issues arising
• Expectations of school i.e. increased attendance, anger management, raising of self-esteem, support and listening, barriers to learning
• Agree sessions/s per week and fixed term contract · Confirm funding
• EAST negotiate and draw up individualised curriculum with young person
• Statements of progress, achievement and success
• Recording of outcomes, developments, changes

Funding

• Minimum of 2.5 hours per week (2 hours direct work, 5 hours assessing, planning, evaluating, advocacy)
• Transport funded by school
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Grade 4 youth worker £13.70 per hour
• Grade 3 youth worker £12.60 per hour
• Above includes holidays and on-costs
• Consideration may need to be taken in relation to any sick cover incurred

Contact
Andy Challenor
C/O The Web Youth Centre,
Web Crescent,
Dawley

01952 502994