Introduction to Now What Do I Do? programmes for young people in difficulties at school.

Programmes for young people at risk of exclusion from school, or with other notable difficulties,  usually in year 10 or early year 11.  Some of these programmes address a particular need, others general problems which might lead to exclusion.  The notes on this page refer mainly to programmes for young people at risk of being excluded from school

In all the programmes at Southwell House we try to create an environment where young people who come here feel safe, comfortable, but challenged, using non-formal education methods.

During the programme each young person has regular one-to-one time with the youth worker who will be his or her key-worker during the programme.  This key worker is involved in all parts of the young person's time with us, including any difficulties that may arise.  There are activities which focus attention of various aspects of the young person's life, and the effects that his/her way of life may have on others.  And there is time for socialising and for fun.

There can be many reasons for poor or unacceptable behaviour in school.  In these programmes we hope to increase a young person's awareness of the effect of his/her behaviour on others, especially staff, and on the techniques that can be used to control this.

We always aim to work in consultation with school staff.  It is important that the process begun during a Now What Do I Do programme should be able to be transferred back to school so that they can continue to learn in a responsible and respectful way.

General information about Now What Do I Do? programmes.

We prefer not to have more than one or a very few from the same school, as it may be important for the young persons who come to explore new ways of behaviour, and this may be impeded if there are too many people around who know them and have prior expectations of them.

Staffing - general: these programmes are heavily staffed, so that there will probably be one youth worker per three participants. 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: Seven or eight staff are used on this programme drawn from our team of youth workers which includes a qualified teacher with many years experience in secondary education, three fully qualified youth and community workers with many years experience, two 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: the programme is structured so that if at all possible each young person will complete it and experience the success of earning their certificate at the end of it. The youth workers have the experience and time to deal with issues as they arise by discussion and counselling. All the work is based on active learning methods, and includes work learning about and understanding many or all of the following (depending upon the aims of the particular programme): relationships, dealing with anger and failure, conflict resolution and assertiveness, understanding themselves and their feelings, communication skills, actions and consequences, looking at values and how our values affect other people, making decisions and who influences us and why, a long activity on life choices (including education, housing, work, working together and related topics) with a de-brief afterwards, 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.  Issues that arise during the programme are carefully dealt with by staff so that they too become learning experiences for the participants.  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, perhaps including a trip to a theatre or to a bowling alley. There is a formal dinner together on the last evening, followed by a social.

Key worker: each young person has a key worker chosen from among our staff.  They will have an interview each day to discuss their understanding of themselves, and the progress they could make.  The key worker is involved in every aspect of the care of the young people they are responsible for.  At the end of the week the key worker will write a report for the school.

Accommodation is in our own centre in Hampstead, a Victorian House with extensions. Young people sleep in single bedded rooms, 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, and a comprehensive health and safety (see elsewhere on this website 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 (see elsewhere on this website or ask for a copy).

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. We follow school’s guidelines on smoking, but recommend very strongly to schools that limited smoking be allowed for those who are used to it, to prevent this becoming an issue which can wreck the programme (we have a carefully worked out system to prevent it becoming a social activity, and to avoid its being passed on to non-smokers).

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 (except one-to-one interviews). A member of our staff will be available to discuss the progress of the young person(s) from that school.

Preparation and subsequent re-integration into school: we always visit the school to talk to the staff responsible for the young person(s), and we always meet and talk to the young person(s). This is to be aware of any special needs, and to establish confidence. We insist that the young person chooses to come. Any major issues which arise during the programme are discussed with school staff, immediately for urgent issues and in due course for others. Where it would be useful, a member of our staff can visit the school for a follow-up visit.

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
admin@southwellhouse.com

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