TRUST IMPACT REPORT 2023

10 NOT TI NGHAM S H I R E COUNT Y CR I CK E T C LUB virtual schools mentoring Our Virtual Schools Programme, funded by the Nottingham City Council Virtual Schools Service, has supported 19 looked-after young people who have more complex behavioural needs, helping them to improve their academic attainment as well as their attitude to learning, health, wellbeing and resilience. 168 individual one-to-one sessions have been delivered by our project worker, supporting each individual with a bespoke programme that addresses their individual needs. The support focuses on: • Improving their academic progress and attainment • Demonstrating a positive attitude to learning and having a settled return to education following time away from school • Having improved physical health through regular physical activity, holistic health education and targeted mentoring workshops focussing on behaviour change • Having improved wellbeing and resilience, allowing them to catch up or overtake the development of their school peers Building a trusting, secure and professional relationship with each young person is key to the success of the programme. Understanding their circumstances and challenges and helping to find solutions and techniques empowers them to achieve their educational goals and improve their self-esteem and confidence. Some young people in the programme are at high risk of permanent exclusion, therefore focusing on a positive attitude to learning and a settled return to education after being away from schools has been key. Open communication between the project worker and young person is key to the success of the programme, while a supportive voice and helping to create a safe and happy school environment helps them to settle into school life. Physical health is just as important. Not only does physical activity benefit an individual’s physical health, but it also impacts their emotional wellbeing and mental health, and in turn their ability to socially engage. Regular sports activities have taken place as part of young people’s regular one-to-one sessions, giving them the opportunity to try different sports and activities ranging from football and ice skating to snowboarding and walking. During school holidays they have attended trips and collaborated with other Trust programmes, helping them to engage with other young people their age. Sessions have been tailored to the young people attending them, providing them with opportunities they would not have otherwise accessed and enhancing their wellbeing and resilience. THE CASE STUDI ES BELOW HIGHL IGHT THE IMPACT THE PROGRAMME HAS ON INDI V IDUALS AND SHOWCASE ’ S THE NEED TO CONT INUE TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE . CASE STUDY 5 CASE STUDY 6 CASE STUDY 7