Pilot Programmes

Pilot programmes

Introduction

Yesterday I attended a KS4 student parent programme information meeting. I have to say that I was surprised that there was an element of listening to the parent.
The group was small consisting of just two parents. This probably enabled a real conversation.
The pilot included year 10 student NEETs.. We typically think of the NEET being in the 18-24 age group but often this isn't the case. It may well be that NEET has started from a younger age based on a number of factors.

Challenges

The Provider had identified issues that were clear to parents. Communication being a main one. often County Council communication is inadequate. So reality wise you need to attend as  parent NEET meetings to ensure that you do ask the questions that are on your mind as well as find out what is going on.

Based on what I have read on policy paperwork in relation to NEET policy the authorities under the Department of Education have identified that retention is a key issue along with engagement

Engagement with the NEET client or  candidate may well be a challenge.

The local providers discussed their proposals of Audits,Targeted intervention, Codes of conduct, GL Assessment, Taster sessions and more

English & Maths were seen as key areas. In many ways this had to be key as all employers require skills in this area. The intention being was to aspire to attain GCSE in these subjects. A Challenge

On my previous visit to one of the sites, the provider informed my son that smoking was a privilege? Under the new pilot NEET programme, there was a "No Smoking" policy on site
The providers are intending to set a code of conduct with the students. This would be set up on the induction. As many of those involved in such pilot's will have conduct as a reason why they were excluded I hope that guidance will be given in setting up this KS code of conduct.

Attendance

The provider has set up a target of 95% attendance as a target. In Lincolnshire the provider uses Taxis to transport these student trainees to the programmes. In some ways therefore it will be if the student actually gets into the Taxi that the test begins.

The Pilot programme is also seeking that they Trainee students also wear a form of uniform. In this case, the uniform will involve the wearing of a white shirt, black trousers and black shoes.

Here again the providers face the challenge as the student trainee may have used this as a form of rebellion in school. They may well try this as a way of testing with the provider.

Unlike other meetings, however, these trainee students are being offered the opportunity of different sites where they may wish to try. In many instances, I believe the success of placements may lie in whether the student or trainee knows fellow students or trainees. Certainly that was the feedback i got.

Conclusion

The Pilot programme sounds good. Will the reality work out. It has taken 3 months to get to a stage where options that are real options are being offered. it was only last week I was informed that the main stream school option was unlikely to be offered. Between the delays, staff holidays, administration and legal process that is a lot of wasted time.