Flagship education programme is to be extended across county
A flagship programme grant-funded by Derbyshire County Council to help young people in need engage fully with education has been extended in schools across the county.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Oct 2020, 13:03 BST
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Raising Aspirations is delivered by Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and supports those in years six to 13 who face multiple barriers in education.
The new contract will be managed by Bolsover Partnership on behalf of the council for a further two academic years 2020/21 and 2021/22.
The programme provides intensive support to address the needs of each student so they can reach their full potential. An employability worker supports each learner and small groups of learners to identify interests, goals and experiences that will help raise their aspirations.
A key education scheme has been expanded by Derbyshire County Council
Since 2015, the programme has reached in excess of 7,500 learners, with all y ear 11 targeted participants moving onto positive Post-16 destinations in education, employment and t raining.
In addition, the year eight building resilience Shine initiative delivered a social return on investment of £11.40 for every £1.00 spent in the a cademic year 2019/20.
Derbyshire County Council’s c abinet member for h ealth and C ommunities, Coun Carol Hart, said: “The Raising Aspirations programme has been a big success and we’re delighted Derbyshire school children will benefit from the programme for a further two academic years.
“It’s important that every child in Derbyshire has the opportunity to develop resilience, confidence and motivation to successfully move into the next phase of their life.
“The programme encourages these skills amongst young people who might need a bit more help in achieving what they’re fully capable of.”
Claire Talati, managing director of DEBP, said: “The Raising Aspirations initiative has never had a one- size-fits- all approach, it remains consistent in its aims and objectives, but is delivered in a vibrant, responsive and bespoke way, recognising the unique needs of the children, youn g people, schools and communities at its centre.
“A core element of the initiative is putting the taught curriculum into context and our amazing network of employer volunteers provide meaningful encounters and world of work experiences that assist young people to identify their skills and goals; motivating them to engage more fully with education so that they too can have a successful future, one that is not dependent on the long term support of services.
“The DEBP team are excited to continue this partnership and broaden the access to the programme so that we can support more children and young people to be the best that they can be.”
