This year, The Key and Children North East launched a partnership project to support students across the region who faced challenges transitioning from primary to secondary school. Funded by the North East Combined Authority, our project aim is to ensure that young people are able to make a successful and settled transition into Key Stage 3 giving them the best chance to thrive. So far, we’ve experienced some brilliant results, and the collaboration even picked up an NE Youth Impact Award at this year’s ceremony!
What is KEY+ Transitions?
KEY+ Transitions is an intervention co-delivered in schools which aims to make the transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 easier for targeted young people. It builds on sector research and young people’s feedback that delivering youth work interventions in schools is transformative for young people.
Using the KEY+ Challenge, our approach empowers groups to come together to follow the five KEY+ steps:
- Think of a project or activity that they want to make happen
- Plan what is needed for that project, including a budget
- Pitch their project to a panel of volunteers
- Do their project if given the go ahead by the panel
- Review and reflect on their project, learning, and development
In doing so, young people:
- Build a sense of purpose and positively engage in school
- Form and strengthen friendships through the group-based approach
- Develop essential life and employability skills
- Improve and build their self-confidence and self-belief
Impact so far
In the past year, our partnership has supported 125 young people to deliver 25 of their own unique projects and activities. From organising a school cinema experience to tackling a giant inflatable obstacle course, travelling to Scotland to Go Ape, and even visiting Cragside Stables to learn about riding and stable management. Young people have certainly explored their interests together.
Next steps
The Key and Children North East’s partnership has been transformative for young people, regional schools and our two charities. It has forged a new way of working together to ensure more young people access the support they need through quality youth work, a proven intervention (KEY+) in an educational setting. The programme is entering its second year of delivery and will support even more young people in the year ahead as we reach a further 200 students.
If you’re interested in how either the KEY+ Challenge or KEY+ Transitions can add value to the lives of your pupils, then please speak to us by emailing leah@thekeyuk.org!
Below are some pictures from two KEY+ Transition groups, 'Fridge Raiders ' (left) and 'Jazzles' (right).
About the author
The Key