Management Information Sheet

A working group made up of representatives from schools and the local authority called the Increasing Participation Performance Group has been identifying good practice on how schools and the local authority can ensure that students are supported to continue to participate in learning post 16.

The group is aligned to the county's Raising Participation Age (RPA) Action Plan overseeing the elements focussed on how schools can play a role in raising participation in Norfolk particularly over the key summer transition period.

Recommendations:

1. Provide a named contact within the school for each young person to go to for information, advice and support until they are settled. It is recognised that this may not always be possible but where it is this can really help students who are uncertain about their next steps. Members of the group felt that students are often most comfortable seeking help from their schools, where they have built up a relationship, compared to other sources of help.
2. Wherever possible ensure that on GCSE Results Day the school makes available someone with relevant knowledge and experience to help students who may not have a suitable offer of learning or have changed their minds regarding what option to pursue.
3. The local authority has provided a leaflet for distribution with GCSE results giving information for students needing further information, advice or support.
4. School to review the progress of any leavers likely to be more at risk of not making a successful transition and to provide the local authority with details of those students.
5. Ensure there is up to date and complete personal information on the cohort of leavers, especially phone numbers and addresses. This will also help the Local Authority meet its statutory duties to track the progress of these young people over the next 3 years.

For further information or to discuss any of the above in more detail, please contact Karin Porter Participation Strategy Manager on 01603 679174.