Barton Training Trust has created the Safety Net Programme to cater for the specific needs of disadvantaged primary school children aged 7 to 11 years.
Why?
There is no other agency meeting this particular need and the Trust, through
its experience and its partnership with schools, communities and other support
networks is particularly well placed to deliver what these children need – the ‘Safety
Net’ catches those children whose needs are not met by existing provision.
What?
The Safety Net Programme provides support for disadvantaged children through
the medium of term-time liaison with teachers and schools and guided extracurricular
activities. These activities currently comprise ‘family’ style holidays run
during holiday periods by qualified child care professionals, providing a secure
environment within which to work with individual challenges.
How?
Using this medium the childcare team is able to define and address individual
needs. These will necessarily include issues of self esteem, access to the
curriculum, poverty and various forms of abuse. Our work enables the children
to participate in school life more successfully. It enables them to be better
prepared for learning and provides a quality service to the children, consolidating
and building on the work done in the classroom to improve their chances of
social and educational success. We are aiming to increase our provision during
and out of term time over the next five years.
Where?
The Trust has worked with schools in Bristol, London, Slough, Birmingham and
the Republic of Ireland. We intend to extend our coverage in the UK.
Who?
The Trust works very closely with its partners to deliver a programme of support
which is focused on children’s specific needs. Our year-round liaison with
schools and other agencies helps us keep track of priorities and identifies
those most likely to benefit from our help.