Cumbria Positive Futures programme
The Cumbria Positive Futures programme has been designed for people aged between 15 and 24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or are at risk of being so, and are looking for help to reach their potential.
As part of this, PET-Xi has created a programme for schools which includes maths, English, science and careers support and can be tailored to meet the needs of students who are at risk of becoming NEET.
The project is designed to enable young people to access early interventions to support them to stay in education and transition between key stages towards their next steps, such as moving on to further or higher education, employment or training.
Impact
As part of this provision, PET-Xi is engaging with a small number of learners who meet the profile at selected schools. One of the schools to benefit from the programme is Richard Rose Central Academy, in Carlisle.
Mr G Barratt, Director of Key Stage 4 at the Academy, said: “The programme was fantastic and the staff were amazing. They worked under tougher than normal conditions, but quickly got to know the pupils and their needs.
“They identified areas of need that would help the pupils progress individually and as a group, and transformed the image of maths with some hard-to-reach pupils.
“Engagement and attendance was high as the pupils could relate to the staff and their delivery methods, and pupils commented on how they were able to understand things better now.
“We saw an increase in the grades obtained by the pupils at the start and the end of the process which demonstrates their progression, something which will significantly increase the chances of them attaining higher grades in the summer of 2022 and reducing their chances of becoming a NEET.
“The staff were great at breaking down any barriers, and their dedication and commitment to do anything they could to help during their time with us was amazing.
“They even arranged for an interpreter to come in and explain to one of our new EAL (English as an additional language) pupils which saw her levels of understanding explode to new heights!”
Learner feedback
Max said: “I really enjoyed the programme and found that it helped me develop my maths skills.”
Lucy said: “I had an enjoyable week taking part in the programme, I only wish it lasted longer!”
Megan said: “I found the programme really useful – it would have been great to have even more time with the team.”
Programme funding
Cumbria Positive Futures is part funded by the European Social Fund and managed by PET-Xi Training.