Participation Works

NCB is launching a new project this January, targeting 150 young people who live in the poorest and most rundown neighborhoods.

Tens of thousands of young people have disappeared from the government’s statistics, and from the social and political radar, young people who do not even get a chance to fail their GCSEs because they never even get to take the exam – ‘invisible’ young people ’. There are many groups who for various reasons end up dropping out of school without being noticed. These are not the disruptive young people, but pupils who have found their education disrupted by life events - pregnancy or caring for a relative in need, which leaves school taking a back seat.

The Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education outlined eight categories of young people who are more likely to become ‘invisible’: looked after young people; Teenage parents; young carers; young people with chronic illnesses or disabilities; suicidal young people; young people suffering from mental illnesses; and young people engaging in risk behaviour – alcohol or substance abuse.

A ten year study by the government into attainment at KS4 in 2005 showed that of those who did not attempt GSCEs a large proportion were either looked after children or classified as Special Educational Needs but without a statement of their needs. Parental background is a key contributor to educational success as is location and the extent of its deprivation. The impact of educational failure is dramatic and lasting. Life chances are immediately either limited or removed entirely.

Children are uninspired by what they see as an overly academic curriculum, or a curriculum that does not engage with what they wanted to do, or the way they want to learn. These young people do not receive the support they need to stay engaged in the educational process and once disengaged from learning they are susceptible to being isolated and demotivated and at risk of becoming NEET.

Through this project NCB will take a fundamentally different approach to engaging ‘invisible’ young people in learning and achievement. If young people are to gain the skills for employment and lifelong learning, they need adaptable and flexible and programmes that are tailored to the specific context in which effective learning can happen. It is the process not the content that is key to the development of life skills for these young people – a process that they can own, use and apply for themselves. In order to meet the needs of vulnerable and disengaged young people the project has been designed to be fully accessible to young people regardless of ability.

Building on the successful delivery of the current NCB life skills programme, this new project will provide our target group with the opportunity to develop the life skills necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes in ever-changing situations; reduce the barriers that prevent their participation; and, express their needs, wants and aspirations.

NCB Regional Coordinators will train and support local practitioners, who work with marginalised young people such as teachers and youth workers, to develop and deliver creative and engaging life skills projects, based on NCB’s tried and tested model. Skills will be acquired through planned activities, tailored to the individual’s needs and interests providing young people with an opportunity to voice their needs, wants and aspirations.

Young people will be encouraged to work with local services that are relevant to their projects, such as schools and community services. As a consequence, young people will have the chance to undertake activities which are relevant to them and provide the opportunity to develop the skills for employment and life long learning. They will be encouraged to work together and to achieve collectively thereby developing the skills in ways which encourage consideration for others, the value of supporting others and asking for support.

The specific theme of a young person’s activity will be based on their individual interests and ideas, for example transport, positive activities for young people, access to services and other community issues. Throughout, young people will collect evidence to demonstrate life skills development, such as problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Their activities will be documented, reviewed and accredited through ASDAN.

Robert Glover, Local Project Coordinator at NCB, said: "it is a fantastic opportunity to work on the Dulverton funded project in 2011 ,as it allows us to further extend and develop our life skills programme with vulnerable young people. The project offers young people the opportunity to develop confidence ,self esteem and employability skills by working on projects and issues that matter to them in their own communities.Making a difference through community action is a powerful tool in helping "invisible" young people to step forward and realise their potential.The project offers vulnerable young people the chance of making a  positive impact in their own lives whilst benefiting those around them."

This project will increase opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged young people to engage with their peers to influence local policies and services across a wide range of issues from transport to health. The life skills acquired will give these young people more control in their lives, equip them to cope better with their situations and provide the knowledge and confidence to make better choices, plan for the future and contribute to their communities.

For more information on this project contact Sophie Wood at swood@ncb.org.uk

Fri, 21/01/2011 - 12:00