The Northamptonshire Study Centres team were amongst five finalists for the Team of the Year award at NCC’s first ever Celebrating Success awards. We didn’t win, but we were delighted to be shortlisted from over forty nominations. Several members of the team were able to attend the glittering awards ceremony at the Park Inn in Northampton.
Below is a copy of the text of. our nomination.
Team of the year award
Northamptonshire Study Centres have gained widespread recognition for success in supporting schools in raising standards and pupil achievement, attendance and motivation. Based at Northampton Town FC, Rushden & Diamonds FC, Northampton Saints RUFC, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and Silverstone Circuits, and soon to have a base at Adrenaline Alley in Corby, they have worked together to deliver the core Playing for Success programme to over 1800 Key stage 2 and 3 pupils from 68% of Northamptonshire schools.
In addition they have worked closely with schools and other partners to deliver a range of programmes which make a significant contribution to addressing the educational, social and cultural needs of children, young people and the local community. These include the innovative Kic.in2.study programme which aims to raise the achievement of young people in care by targeting the outcomes of the Every Child Matters agenda. NSC team members also contribute to the outreach programmes offered as PfS on the Road and Double Club by working alongside school staff to deliver sports based enrichment and extension lessons in literacy and numeracy, hosting visiting schools at the study centres, conducting stadium tours etc.
Feedback from young people, parents and school staff is consistently positive.
“…both L and C have made trememdous progress, especially in their reading and writing. I’m sure so much of it is down to their huge increase in self confidence having attended the centre.” (Teacher)
“It’s really cool as you’re learning maths at the same time as having fun” (Student PfS on the Road)
Staff deliver over and above team service delivery as evidenced by the fact that three of our centres have gained Quality in Study Support (QiSS) recognition. Two more are preparing submissions. All five centres have submitted portfolios for Charter Mark accreditation for the Engagement and Active Involvement of Young People and two centres have gained Approved Provider Standard from the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.
The whole team meets formally five times per year and team members meet as necessary to share curriculum ideas and support one another with the review, evaluation and reporting process required by the national Playing for Success organisation. Professional development is addressed individually and across the team as evidenced by the fact that a number of staff have worked closely with Extended Service colleagues to complete the University of the First Age fellowship which will enrich and extend the learning opportunities on offer.
The Annual Review produced in September of each year provides evidence of the impact of the work of Northamptonshire Study Centres and the excellence of their product. Schools’ willingness to include a reference to the work of the Study Centres in their self evaluation forms reflects their views on the contribution made to school improvement. The study centres website (www.northantsstudycentres.org) is constantly updated to provide information about what the team offers as well as offering opportunities for young people and others to comment on our work and enable us to improve.
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