People for Action helping excluded students get back into education » Housing » 24dash.com

A pioneering project set up on the Isle of Sheppey to get excluded students back into education has been so successful that it has just been extended for a second year.

The Sheerness Adolescent Resource Centre (SARC) was established in September 2007 by People for Action, the regeneration arm of local housing provider, AmicusHorizon.

The centre’s approach to excluded students is different to any other provision in the area. Students attending SARC are closely supported by teachers, but also have responsibility for planning their own lessons and tracking their progress, which staff say boosts their low self-confidence and motivation.

This approach seems to have paid off, with the majority of last year’s students going onto further education, training and even employment after months or even years out of school before coming to SARC.  The school has received glowing feedback from an Ofsted inspector and local businesses.

Chris, a former SARC student, said: “When I first started at SARC I was very stubborn and arrogant and refused to participate in anything. I couldn't hold a conversation and wasn't very approachable.

“I was out of mainstream school for three years and then I got referred to the centre. I didn't settle in at first but gradually I came out of my shell with the help of the tutors. Now I have a lot more confidence in myself and I am able to deal with my own problems.”

Kent County Council (KCC) has been so impressed with SARC’s performance that it has agreed with AmicusHorizon to fund the centre for a second year. Referrals for the next academic year have already started, and two successful students from 2007/08 are set to return as mentors for this year’s intake, acting as role models for the new students.

Stephen Innis, Director of People for Action said: “Exclusion from school leaves young people vulnerable to low self-confidence and few aspirations for the future. Lack of learning and qualifications only serves to worsen this situation.

“We believe that SARC is one of the first centres of this kind to be established by a housing association and it has proved to be an excellent move. The fact that KCC have asked us to extend the SARC for a second year is testament to the hard work of its staff and students.

“AmicusHorizon is committed to improving our residents’ communities, and we hope that the centre will continue to improve the futures of young people in Sheppey for years to come.”

For more information on SARC and other People for Action projects contact Sarah Sales on 01795 418979 or email sarah.sales@amicushorizon.org.uk