A programme for year 10 and 11 pupils (Key Stage 4) excluded from or at risk of exclusion from school

How the Project Works

MOVES™ uses a cognitive behavioural model which aims to address issues involving; Self Esteem; Moral Reasoning; Impulsive Behaviour; Attachment; Literacy; Numeracy; Vocational/Occupational Focus; Offending Behaviour, Problem Solving and Working with Others.

MOVES™ offers either full-time, 25 hour per week, provision for young people excluded from or not attending school and day release provision for those at risk of exclusion. The MOVES™ Project offers a supportive and constructive alternative to school for the most hard to help client group. The full time provision is reserved for pupils who have been permanently excluded and access is determined by the Pupil Services Manager.

To facilitate improvement in these areas the project offers close liaison with the pupils school making the referral, a Key Worker system where each young person is allocated a member of staff directly responsible for overseeing the progress of the young person and qualifications including Word and Number Power, Youth Achievement Awards, CLAIT and IBT2, Units of NVQs, as well as supported GCSE work. We also provide short-term certificated courses in First aid and Essential Food Hygiene, amongst others.

We liaise closely with other organisations working with this client group such as the Community Substance Misuse Team, Social Services, YOT and RISQ, many of whom assist in the life and social skills training we provide in areas like Substance Abuse and Sexual Health.

All referrals are treated very much on an individual basis and other areas of development can be addressed according to need, such as anger management, counselling and referrals to expert assistance from other agencies.

Activities form an important part of the overall project as they provide an opportunity for the young people to experience things they would not otherwise have the opportunity to do, such as outward bound type activities and trips to theme parks. This is also used as a motivation and reward system for the trainees and gives the participants the opportunity to develop organisational and teamworking skills.

How/Why was it setup?

Nacro have for some time been working with this client group on a national basis. We believe this is extremely important work in our efforts to reduce crime due to the high number of offences that are committed by school age young people who are not attending school or engaged in constructive activities.

The MOVES™ Project in Telford and Wrekin was set up in conjunction with the LEA, to meet the need of providing quality 25 hour provision to young people excluded from school. With the support of the Youth Offending Team and funding from the Youth Justice Board the initial aim was expanded to include a day release option as an alternative provision for people at risk of being permanently excluded whilst maintaining their school placement.

Impact on Behaviour/Outcome

Impact on behaviour can most significantly be measured by the increase in attendance and by observing patterns of attendance. An alternative measure is the impact on the reduction in criminal behaviour exhibited by the young people. Quantitative outcome measures are attendance, including attendance to our drop in facilities offered during school holidays, attainment, reduction in offending behaviour, increased levels of literacy and numeracy and progression to post 16 opportunities including, Further Education, Training or Employment with Training.

Qualitative outcomes include a more appropriate level of self esteem, a reduction in self reported criminal activity, a reduced level of impulsivity, improved behaviour and attitude, improved ability to work with others including peer groups, authority figures and family and improved communication skills and problem solving abilities. The Project is being evaluated by Dr. Ian Paylor and Dr. Cheryl Simmel-Binning of the University of Lancaster, Department of Applied Social Science.

After the first full year of operation, 5 full-time year 11 pupils left the Project. Of these 3 went directly into employment with training, 1 went into full-time training and 1 was offered a place within further education, although the pupil was unable to take up this offer due to a change in personal circumstances.

As we are a service/agency the cost of the provision is £26 per day per participant plus all travel expenses. Referrals can be made directly from any school to either Lisa-Jayne or Michael. The referral process consists of an initial discussion between the school and Nacro, a case conference during which all interested parties would be invited to attend, and a visit to the MOVES Project by the young person and their parents/carers to ensure suitability and to attempt to involve parents and gain their support, at the earliest possible stage.

Telford and Wrekin recognises the importance of its pupils being educated within well ordered learning settings which promote respect for others, a commitment to learning, and equal opportunities for all pupils. This Behaviour Support Plan aims to ensure that all heads, teachers, governors and financial staff are aware of their role in supporting good behaviour amongst all learners, how different strategies and agencies support this and that all support available to support school in managing behaviour is easily accessible to teaching and professional staff.

This plan, at the request of Headteachers, is slim and gives only an outline of the Authority's response and support for the positive behaviour within the school and other settings.

The main source of information to support behaviour can be found at the Behaviour Support Plan website www.whateverthisis.gov.uk. The purpose of the website.