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Tackling Worklessness at Northumberland Park School

Northumberland Park Community School is the seventh most improved school in the country and is implementing Haringey Council’s ‘Tackling Worklessness’ programme through extending the scope of its vocational subjects and increasing retention rates for year 11 students.

Achievements

This academic year (2006/2007) two groups comprising 20 year 11 students (16 year-olds) in danger of becoming unemployed on leaving school were chosen to receive intensive support to improve their prospects of going into further education and employment. The 40 students selected to participate were affected by factors such as learning disabilities, low attendance, truancy and exclusion. Each group was given a full-time mentor who interviewed each pupil and drew up an action plan tailored to meet their needs. They also helped prepare CVs, met with parents, completed application forms and accompanied students to college interviews.

The purpose of the support offered by the project is to boost students’ confidence and prepare them for entry into work, work placements, or further education.

Once students enrol at college, support continues until they reach the age of 19. The school has also expanded the scope of vocational subjects offered to year 10 and 11 students (14-16 year-olds). Having set an initial target of 250 pupils, there are now 330 students on vocational courses which could lead directly to employment opportunities or Level 3 qualifications.

The project has also recently been extended to offer parents attending after school ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses to access employability skills training, work placements, and jobs at three schools in Haringey.

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