Additional information for school staff on the Sixth Form leadership programme.

Intended participants: the programme is intended for young people who are currently in the sixth form (years 12 and 13) who are likely to be in leadership positions within school (or in other circumstances). Such positions might be prefects, sports captains, leaders of music groups, and to some extent peer mentors, though there is another programme more suitable for them.

Staffing - general: the programme is well staffed, so that there will be a core of youth workers on duty for the whole programme and others who help with particular activities. Most of the staff are resident on site and so are on duty all day and are on call all night. One member of our staff of appropriate gender sleeps in a room on each corridor every night.

Staffing used on this programme: The staff used on this programme are drawn from our team of youth workers which includes one qualified teacher with many years experience in secondary education, one fully qualified youth and community worker with many years experience, three experienced youth workers who are currently completing their youth and community work qualifications, and three with degrees in education or related subjects.

Overall objectives of the programme: All the work is based on active learning methods, and aims to ensure that the participants understand: various leadership styles and the effect they have, relationships, conflict resolution and assertiveness, themselves and their feelings, communication skills, actions and consequences, looking at values and how our values affect other people, making decisions about who influences us and why, learning to be still and to relax, and many other learning experiences which arise in the course of a few days of community life. Often the programme is adapted to allow particular issues to be dealt with that are relevant to the young people who have come.

Methods: there are no lectures, and all learning is based either on participants’ own experiences, or on structured activities that are organised during the programme. Issues that arise during the programme are carefully dealt with by staff so that they too become learning experiences for the participants. Each participant has at least one structured one-to-one interview with a member of staff. Each day ends with a time of reflection about the day and what has been experienced and learned. As well as work sessions, there are social activities and entertainments, usually including a trip to a theatre. There is a formal dinner together on the last evening, followed by a social.

Accommodation is in our own centre in Hampstead, a Victorian House with extensions. Young people sleep in rooms with two or three beds, with separate floors and facilities for each gender. Staff sleep in rooms on each corridor every night, and others are on call. Meals are of good quality, and all forms of diets are catered for. The house is safe and comfortable. There is a games room and social area. Accommodation is available on the level for those with movement difficulties, or who use wheelchairs.

Management of risk, insurance, etc.: Southwell House has a carefully worked out risk management policy (see the website www.southwellhouse.com or ask for a copy). We are fully insured for every aspect of the work we do. Public liability certificates can be seen on request. There are always several staff working at all times, and trips out are carefully planned to ensure safety and good order. There are no activities which are intrinsically hazardous, and materials and equipment used are chosen to be non-hazardous. Staff are carefully trained, most are qualified first aiders, and safety procedures are carefully planned and where necessary regularly rehearsed. Our child protection policy is regularly reviewed and is available for inspection if required.

Discipline: discipline is managed in the group by staff, using one-to-one or group discussion to manage unacceptable behaviour. There are strictly enforced rules banning the use of alcohol, and illegal substances.

School staff: staff from school are not required to be present during the week, though they are welcome to visit at any time and to participate in whatever activity is going on if they wish. A member of our staff will be available to discuss the progress of the young person(s) from that school.

If any further information is required, please do not hesitate to contact the staff at the project.

Southwell house Youth Project
39 Fitzjohn's Avenue
LONDON
NW3 5JT
020 7435 8534
secretary@southwellhouse.com

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