INCLUSION in education has never been more important as the world develops.
Our education establishments have ensured that children feel included throughout their time in education and allow parents to feel that their young ones are learning and developing whilst in safe hands.
That’s why the Inclusion Initiative award is so important.
The nominations for Inclusion Initiative perfectly highlight the dedication and pride shown by those in the profession.
One of the three shortlisted is Sue Hannan, from Furness College. Sue has been praised by the families at the college for her collaboration with a range of partners to create a supported intern programme, designed to support those with learning difficulties at the college.
The programme allows 10 young people with learning difficulties to work in university hospitals.
However, Sue is already focussing on the future; she wants to continue growing the programme and help to include more people on the scheme.
Sue said: “The programme started with one group and we want to continue to develop it with partners and increase the internships. I want more young people with learning difficulties to be supported into the workplace.”
When told of being shortlisted, Sue said: “It is great to be nominated, we are super thrilled. We come to the Golden Apple Awards each year and it is always great.”
Also shortlisted is the Primary Early Intervention Programme.
North Allerdale Development Trust have been running the targeted youth provisions for the past seven years, supporting young people with their emotional and social wellbeing.
NADT recognised that over the past two years, the effects of Covid and the rising cost-of-living crisis continues to contribute to the rise in need of support for young people, specifically primary aged children.
Those at the trust have their sights set on the future and want to continue to raise the profile of the programme and act as advocates for Youthwork.
They hope the development of the programmes will help ease the burden on more specialist services and that young people will have access to consistent and relevant support for their needs.
The trust was thrilled to find out about making the finals saying: “We feel extremely proud that our Primary EIP has been nominated by the education sector, shining a light on the importance and benefits youth work can play in supporting both young people and schools in a young person’s educational journey.”
Our third nomination is for David Mccabe at Whitehaven Academy.
David McCabe, the lead for the Outdoor Learning programme, is 'resolutely determined' to ensure that disaffected students are inspired and reconnect with education through the programme.
Partners of the programme have nothing but praise for the efforts that David has put into the programme.
He ensures students that it is not just a programme that is a ‘tag on’ - it is there to help and develop the learning of the young people involved.
David has received comments about the programme such as: “It’s brilliant to be linked up with yourselves and really pleased you and the students enjoyed the session.
"Everyone behaved wonderfully- it was an absolute pleasure to have you all.”
Students who have struggled to engage and connect with learning, who have been left feeling isolated and disconnected from the challenges of Covid, find themselves empowered and discover skills they previously hadn’t even considered due to David's commitments.
Looking to the future, David has exposed students to possible career path/next steps for learning in roles like Outdoor Instructor, Youth work, Youth Hostel Management, Conservation, Landscaping, Armed Services, Forestry Commission, Farming, Tourism, and Research.
One Year 9 pupil praised the programme saying: “I have seen the teachers helping students and I feel as if it has helped me recognise what I want to do when I leave school.
"Outdoor Learning has made me want to come to school and has given me a reason to behave in school.”
READ MORE: Golden Apple awards: Who will be the best early years provider of the year?
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