Behaviour Support Plan: Good Practice

Connexions

On 3rd February 2000, David Blunkett, Secretary for Education and Employment unveiled a radical new youth support service for all 13-19 year olds. The service, Connexions, is at the heart of the Government's strategy for supporting young people. Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin was one of the first twelve areas in the country to launch Connexions from 1st April 2001.

How will Connexions work?

Connexions is a partnership between agencies. The Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Partnership comprises Shropshire Careers Services, Shropshire Youth Service, Telford & Wrekin Youth Service, Social Services Departments from both councils and a range of statutory and voluntary sector services that have responsibility for, and support young people.

Key features of the Partnership are:

• A universal service of information, advice and guidance to all young people.
• New multi agency teams targeted at our main priorities.
• Vigorous monitoring and evaluation to improve services.
• A dedicated accredited training centre to ensure all Connexions staff are properly trained.
• Advocacy on behalf of young people.
• A voice for young people enabling them to influence and develop Connexions.
• Improved co-operation and joint activity between partners.
• Stimulus and encouragement to the voluntary sector through shared activity.
• A strengthened mentoring scheme.
• Curriculum support and development particularly at Key Stage 4.
• A new youth information service.
• Services using ICT effectively in an exciting and provoking way.

Central to the work of Connexions are Personal Advisers, who will work with young people in a more holistic way, ensuring they are supported and have access to provision that enables them to achieve their potential and move successfully into a fulfilled adult life.

Connexions, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin employ PA's to work in either a community (Gateway) or educational setting. Over the next few months multi-disciplinary teams based in areas with particular problems, will be established. These will comprise of staff with from Connexions, Youth Service, Education Welfare and in some areas Social Services. All PA's will be required to take the Diploma for Personal Advisers.

What can schools access?

• All schools will have an allocated Connexions/Personal Adviser.
• Universal service to all pupils.
• Targeted service to those with greatest need.
• Pre 16 Gateway.
• Access to a Special Needs Adviser.
• Support in the development of Careers Education and Guidance.
• Support for the gifted and talented. Ø Careers library initiative and other information.
• Work experience and Education Business Partnership activities.
• Support with the vocational curriculum.
• Placement of pupils into post 16 options.