Springboard AE:

Frequent interruptions to a child’s education can have a devastating impact on their long-term future, and precipitate unsocial behaviour, social exclusion and criminality. Springboard work with young people aged 12 to 16 who have been excluded, are at risk of exclusion or truant school.

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 surveys published by the Youth Justice Board. They found that levels of crime among school children rose dramatically when pupils were expelled.

In June 2008, LES teamed up with TLG (The Lighthouse Group), a nationally recognised provider of alternative education to develop and launch the Springboard programme, formerly known as T-Base. Springboard provides schooling and personal development for young people outside of mainstream school. We are dedicated to lifelong learning and regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of our programme. We have a proven track record of sustainability and long-term success among this group.

Programme outline
During a 12 week intensive programme, learners go through a tailored plan that address the root causes behind troubled behaviour, and stimulate the learning process. Small class sizes, one-to-one sessions and workshops provide ideal opportunities to engage learning and constructively channel interests.

Springboard offer learners hope, and work in parallel to address complex social issues and provide practical skills development. Through apprenticeship programmes, course accreditations, formal qualifications and personal and social skills development, learner’s expectations and aspirations are raised. The personalised nature of the programme ensures every learner is challenged to perform to the best of their ability.

Curriculum and qualifications
Emphasis is placed on numeracy, literacy and Information Communication Technology (ICT). However music, media, photography and other vocational skills are also taught. The curriculum is validated by ASDAN and COPE. Qualifications from both examining bodies are counted alongside GCSE’s in League Tables.

Progression plan
Springboard also teaches self-control, discipline and respect to learners who are often angry, scared and marginalised. Workshops provide opportunities to discuss and defuse problems before potential flash points occur. When learners concluded their tailored programme, they are either reintegrated back into mainstream school, go onto further education, training or employment. Due to the personalised nature of the programme support maybe extended from 12 weeks to one year. A designated staff member will be appointed to the leaner when this is required.

Opening hours
Monday - Tuesday: 09:00 – 15:30
Wednesday: no classes
Thursday - Friday: 09:00 – 15:30

In addition youth programmes are available beyond school hours, to engage young people, together with parental support.

Partners
Springboard works with a range of service providers, including TLG. Ofsted, the Department of Education (DoE), Social Services, Connexions, Lambeth Council, participating schools and parents/carers, to ensure wholesale engagement. By working with a wide range of statutory and non-statutory group, Springboard learners receive the greatest level of support.

We are determined that a troubled past will not blight our learners futures. The determined attitude of staff ensures a high portion of learners graduated with qualifications, leading to successful college placements and employment.

More information
For more information or to register please contact the programme manager or call +44 (0) 7734 778971.