Post 16 Programme
The Context
PPP has a high level of success in engaging young people overwhelmingly identified at the start of the programme as having complex needs and as possible pre-NEET.
In 2006, 87% of students progressed directly onto Further Education, Employment, or Training. A Home Office/DfES study (Kendall, S., et al, 2003, An Evaluation of Alternative Education Initiatives) indicated that the national average rate of progression from Alternative Education Providers is 76%.
PPP’s success rates are 11% above the national average.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests once students have progressed, they have difficulty sustaining engagement in a mainstream context and a significant number will ‘drop out’ during their course.
The Theory
Recent academics have turned their attentions towards the new developmental stage between adolescence and adulthood known as ‘Emerging Adulthood’. This theory articulates 5 features:
• The age of identity explorations
• The age of instability
• The self-focused age
• The age of feeling in-between
• The age of possibilities
The Response
Post 16 students access progression-linked accreditation and therapeutic guidance to enable progression in their first term. Ongoing support is provided in mainstream context during their second and third terms to ensure retention.
This programme is designed to provide young people with experiences of the five features. Individual assessments identify individual needs and a programme based on these needs is designed. A sample programme follows:
• The age of identity explorations – the PPP Peer Mentoring course
• The age of instability – Focus on self-awareness
• The self-focused age – Empathy and reflection
• The age of feeling in-between – Creating a gateway to adulthood
• The age of possibilities – Focus on generation of alternatives
Delivery methods include workshops, courses, support with CV / interviews / applications, work experience, health and safety awareness and intensive mentoring support.
Careers, Education, Information & Guidance (IAG)