Celebrating the success of disadvantaged young people
Carlos' Story
To celebrate the achievements of some of our most disadvantaged children and young people, we would like to share with you a series of case studies.
The first case study tells the story of Carlos*, who has been on an inspirational journey from homelessness to part-time employment, and ultimately a much brighter future.
(* The name in this case study have been changed to keep the identity of the individual anonymous).
Carlos - Prince’s Trust
Carlos had completed little schooling and was homeless. He was receiving support from local agency Doorway and was known to the Police, he had lost all motivation and direction in his life.
Carlos was referred to the Prince’s Trust Team programme at college to work on his social, emotional and employability skills. Carlos admitted that he had given up all hope of finding a long term career or being able to achieve success and felt held back by the numerous barriers he faced.
Carlos came across as really lacking in confidence and had an unwillingness to try new things or interact with new people. His mood was agitated and snappy, and he had a very poor diet which impacted his ability on the programme.
Through the support of the programme, Carlos started to realise that he should not be defined by his past, and saw the team programme being an opportunity to achieve something positive to move forward with in his life. Carlos began to see that he was now taking part in something that could open doors for him towards a brighter future. This was when he found his motivation to succeed.
Fundraising was a key memory in Carlos’ participation on the team programme. The team raised over £600 in their local community and his improved confidence was clear to see. His leadership and teamwork throughout this week was the key to the team’s success. Carlos was awarded “team member of the week” by staff and peers.
Carlos’ attendance improved, he secured and sustained a supported accommodation place and a work placement. This was such a success that Carlos was offered part-time employment following his course. Alongside this, he is also now completing a Level 2 Leadership course at college.
He has recently won the Prince’s Trust Breakthrough award.
The above case study, and a series of others will be shared with the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee in January, following a request from the committee for Education and Learning to demonstrate the achievements of some of our most able disadvantaged children and young people.
At the same meeting, the committee will be asked to consider a report by the Department for Education looking at research into understanding successful approaches to supporting the most academically able disadvantaged pupils.
This piece of work supports WE2 of the Warwickshire Education (WE) Strategy with a focus on closing the gap between the achievements of learners eligible for pupil premium and those of their peers, as well as learners achieving highly who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
We are sharing one of the case studies in this edition, and will include others in subsequent Heads Up bulletins. This particular case study has a focus on employability which is why you will find it in WE4.