Using social action activities and employer contacts, Croydon HeadStart Action engages with, and inspires young people aged 14 to 18.
Key features of the project include:
Milestones
- Young people set at least five individual targets for progress - These include personal targets
- Milestones are fluid and reviewed monthly - Support Workers offer direct support to each young person that is responsive and flexible
- Milestones are presented as SMART (Specific Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Bound) targets
Learning Agreement
- Each young person has a learning agreement - This agreement outlines their programme, attendance requirements, expectations and confidentiality arrangements.
Social Action Activity
- We support young people to agree and deliver a programme of Social Action activities in their community.
- Young people take part in AQA accredited activities and a one night residential camping activity
Business placement and support
- 10 hours of activity are delivered by Play Place and guided by our business / enterprise partners.
- The programme is not prescriptive; we spend time consulting with businesses and young people who have taken part in our previous employability programmes to help us shape this module
- Examples include CV writing, sports programmes, healthy living, motor mechanics and maintenance, our Music Production Project and ICT suite
Ongoing support
- Young people have one to one sessions - support workers discuss the next stage and transitioning to a positive pathway.
Business
- Play Place engage with employers to ensure that all of the young people who complete stages one to four have a meaningful interview
- Young people who are aged 14 -16 receive “mock” interviews in a controlled, professional environment with an employergiving feedback
- Young people who are aged 16 -18 will be supported to gain interviews with employers; Play Place will work with Croydon Works who will support the process - young people who start work will be supported during the transition to becoming employees
- We support young people to invite friends and family to a graduation activity
Funders:
Supported/managed by London Youth
Mayor of London
Violence Reduction Unit (VRU)