Lighthouse T-Base

Each year, approximately 200,000 pupils of all ages are excluded from school, due to poor and disruptive behaviour. Pupils who are permanently excluded from school rapidly become involved in some form of criminal activity, according to two surveys by the Youth Justice Board. They found that levels of crime among school children rose dramatically when pupils were expelled.

LES has teamed up with a nationally recognised provider of alternative education, TLG, to develop this unique project which provides schooling and personal development for young people aged 12-16 excluded from mainstream education or at risk of exclusion. The T-Base Centre has developed good relationships with local schools, the local education department and other referring organizations. The project was launched on 18 June 2008, and John Bird, founder of the Big Issue was the guest speaker at the event.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

The project operates 4 days a week. The school operates between 9.00am and 3.30pm on Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday. In addition, out of school youth programmes are made available to engage the young people beyond school hours together with parental support..

Teaching takes place in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT. The curriculum is validated by ASDAN and COPE. COPE is a GCSE equivalent qualification. The project also uses Music, Media, Photography etc to engage the young people.

The T-base teaches self-control, discipline and respect to young people who are often angry, scared and marginalised. At least twice a day the young people are provided with an opportunity to discuss their problems to defuse potential flash points.

Once every individual has concluded their specific programmes (anywhere from 12 weeks to one year), the young person is either reintegrated back into school or goes on to further education, training or employment and is supported by a specific staff member.

To find out more about this unique project, please contact Brenda Fraser on 020 7735 3685.

Copyright © 2008, Lighthouse Education Service. All rights reserved.

The Lighthouse Education Service (LES)