Our success rates with some of the weakest most vulnerable students in the Youth Justice sector has been officially recognised by Ofsted and HMIP.
Our methodology and software lends itself to students who are in most need of rapid progress, both in confidence and in literacy. Now, other educational establishments can quickly gain access to a project which can provide a real life-line to young people who are falling out of education for the simple fact that they cannot communicate effectively in English.
1. HMIP & Ofsted Joint Inspection Report - Reading Youth Offending Service - December 2008
Entry was submitted under the "Sharing Good Practice" section of the Report.
"The Rapid English Project, developed in Reading YOS, was an innovative way to assess and develop the literacy and communication skills of children and young people who had offended. It involved regular tutor supported sessions, based at the YOS, using specially developed ICT programmes to improve writing and communication skills. Other YOTs were showing interest in developing the use of this. Feedback and evaluation confirmed that this programme was effective in making a significant difference to the skills, motivation and self-esteem of participants."
"Rapid English was an innovative and effective project developed and run at Reading YOS. It contributed to the assessment and development of literacy and communication skills. Attendees responded positively to this project, with case studies confirming its value."
Joint Inspection of Youth Offending Teams in England and Wales
Publication available -
Book format - ISBN: 978-1-84099-173-4
Online - http://www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi-probation/docs/reading_yos_report-rps.pdf
2. HMIP & Ofsted Joint Inspection Report - Wokingham Youth Offending Service - January 2009
Entry submitted under - 2.8 General criterion: Children and young people who have offended are enabled and encouraged to achieve their potential.
"The Rapid English programme was providing excellent provision for children and young people facing severe literacy barriers. Some remarkable results were achieved in a fairly short period of time. Working mainly one to one, 19 children and young people, largely aged over 16, received this service between September 2007 and July 2008."
Page 24 - Joint Inspection of Youth Offending Teams of England and Wales
Publication available -
Book format - ISBN: 978-1-84099-175-8
Online - http://www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi-probation/docs/wokingham_yos_report-rps.pdf
