Management Information Sheet

For information and action

This briefing note provides an update on the Summer 2021 Transition Challenge for Year 11s outlined in the March MI Sheet and a request for support from Norfolk's schools and sixth forms to take the programme forward between May-September 2021.

Schools are asked to consider how they will support their Year 11s to take advantage of these opportunities for each phase of the 2021 Summer Transition Programme and in particular ensure they are actively sharing information and working with the LA to support those Year 11s who are most at risk of NEET.

Background

Young people have had significant disruption to their learning and experience of school, which may affect transition from Year 11 to post 16. The key issues include:

1. Pathway planning - i.e. every young person should have at least one suitable application and an offer of a place in post 16 learning by the time they finish Year 11
2. Impacts of the lockdown on young peoples' emotional health and well-being
3. Issues with resilience and ability to negotiate next steps
4. Gaps in learning & preparedness for next stage
5. Information sharing between institutions

The Summer 2021 Transition Challenge aims to ensure positive transition & continuity of learning and progress for all young people who move into college, sixth form, training and employment. Our goal is 100% progression, so that all young people arrive at their destination goal of learning/work.

Our approach

Following consultations with school leaders and post 16 providers, Norfolk County Council together with our partner will be providing phased enhanced transition support between 1st June and 30th September 2021.

Phase 1. Preparing for Transition. 1st June - 25th June.

Following submission of teacher assessed grades at the end of May, Year 11 students should continue their learning in school until at least 18th June. Learning resources that teachers will be able to use or signpost for their students to use during this time will be gathered and accessible via Help You Choose.

At the same time, we will be working with Careers leads in schools to gather information about those Year 11s most at risk of NEET and to commence targeted transition support through our Participation & Transition Strategy Team.

Phase 2. Targeted approach. 26th June - 21st July

Following Year 11 school leaving date, teachers/careers leads will be encouraged to continue to signpost their former students to transition support activities (both virtual and face to face) provided by sixth forms, colleges and other learning and community providers. They will continue to be encouraged to access real time and recorded virtual learning resources through Help You Choose. Targeted IAG will take place with young people identified as being most at risk of NEET to promote engagement and applications for learning.

Phase 3. Exam results and help and support with options. 22nd July - 3rd September.

In the lead up to GCSE Results Day on the 12th August, young people will be encouraged to take advantage of any transition and well-being activities available in their local communities and those organised through the School Summer Activities programme and by sixth forms and colleges. From exam results day, there will be a partnership approach between school, colleges, sixth forms, training providers and NCC to identify and support those at risk of becoming NEET. For instance, last year, NCC advisers had access to a direct diary booking system at the colleges, allowing them to book young people a prompt appointment directly from targeted IAG support, which proved successful. NCC will also provide a Helpline and live chat service for those at risk of NEET with 1-1 advice and guidance from young person's advisers and guidance advisers available.

Phase 4. Assisting those not settled. 6th September - 30th September

Continuing on from phase 3, a targeted approach to identify young people that have not made the transition from Year 11 to a Post 16 learning activity will continue along with a robust and quick system for learning providers to inform NCC of those young people that have made the transition but are at risk of dropping out and becoming NEET.