|
If carefully planned and with the necessary training and resources - YES. Just over 3 years ago, working with staff from 2 local secondary schools we developed a year long project working with students with additional needs. Looking for funding proved extremely difficult but the Open Gate Trust came to our rescue and funded the project for a whole year. The project took place every Monday afternoon during term time, with a mix of activities taking place in school and outdoors.
With an emphasis on giving the students responsibility for planning, developing personal and life skills, the programme included all the usual outdoor activities plus environmental studies, a residential at the Hollowford Centre in Castleton, a theatre trip, a Chinese meal and visits to local places of interest.
The project was so successful that both schools wanted to continue but unfortunately we could not identify funding that would allow us to continue with the project.
The school staff embraced the project with enthusiasm and the expertise they gained in the first year meant that both schools, three years on are confidently leading the project themselves, developing the programme to meet their student's needs.
Without the initial support from Open Gate this could not have happened and in a funding climate where we need to ensure that projects are sustainable this one proves it can be done.
|
