On the first day we heard presentations from Simon Morgan, Head of Community Development at the Premier League, and from Sue Hackman from the DCSF.   PfS staff from Wakefield talked about how PfS had developed in their area and we were inspired by Sir Mathew Pinsent who regaled us with tales of his olympic rowing career and spoke of the importance of goal setting and perseverance.  Young people from the Saddlers Learning Centre showed off their percussion skills and we were able to attend workshops covering a wide range of topics.

QiSS awards were presented between dinner and dessert and we were proud to see the Cobblers Study Centre awarded Emerged status whilst the Saints Study Centre was given Established status.  Congratulation to all the staff who worked so hard to achieve these awards.

On the second day of conference Phil Beadle spoke about The Secrets of Creative Teaching, with references to martial arts and the Mister Men!  After more workshops we heard from representatives from BT and the Football Foundation about their partnership with PfS in developing the Communicating for Success Initiative, we enjoyed  the video made by Radiowaves and the S2R reporters, and left buzzing with new ideas and thoughts about how to move forwards.

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. 

 Jeanette and Vicki offered a Healthy Eating workshop to young people in the lounge – lots of delicious fruit was on offer as well information about the importance of eating healthily. 

During the morning Val, Anna and Helena were on duty in the marquee,  supported by Rob and Sara in the afternoon.  They were able to show off the work of the study centres using laptops, video and slideshows, by distributing copies of the latest annual review, and by answering questions about what we could offer to schools to help raise standards and contribute towards school improvement.