NEET Prevention - Keeping Students Engaged at Key Stage 4: Second Case Study Report

Gill Featherstone, Kerry Martin, Kelly Kettlewell, Eleanor Stevens

06 November 2014

This research examines the impact of school-based programmes that are in place to support students aged 14-16 who are at risk of temporary disconnection from learning. This is a longitudinal research study that will track the progress of students on the support programmes through to the end of Year 11. This report is the second in a series of reports and provides an update on the 10 case studies.

While the case studies are all different in their approach to supporting young people at risk of temporary disconnection from learning, they do have a number of common factors that appear to contribute to their success.

Some of the Key factors for success include:

• Flexibility within programmes, ensuring that, as much as is practical, programmes can be tailored to the needs, and interests, of the individual young person
• Developing open and supportive relationships between staff and students. This is particularly relevant for one-to-one support and mentoring;
• Commitment from senior leaders, and the engagement and buy-in of all staff, through clear communication on all elements of the support programme (aims, structure and process, and student progress)

Alongside this report we have published practical tips for implementing support strategies, such as these, in schools. This draws on the findings from across the case studies to identify key successes and enablers and how to overcome barriers to implementation to provide a practical resource for schools.

Also see:

• NEET prevention - Keeping students engaged at Key Stage 4: Final case study report
• NEET Prevention: - Top Tips for senior leaders