It's Monday - Welcome to another 'School Partnerships Blueprint'

Today we are focusing on ‘Communities outside the typical 'School Partnerships' box’

Today, we delve into how school partnerships can extend beyond traditional boundaries to enhance the lives of children in varying circumstances. This week, we focus on the importance of reaching out to groups outside the school network and encouraging schools to engage with a wide array of community groups.

A few examples:

Refugee Children: In 2023, there were 67,337 asylum applications made in the UK, involving 84,425 individuals. Among these, 5,010 were unaccompanied children, an 8% increase from the previous year (GOV.UK) (Commons Library).

Of the asylum claims decided in the last 12 months, 84% of unaccompanied children were granted asylum or another form of leave to remain (Refugee Council). At the end of March 2024, 104,517 individuals were receiving asylum support, often in challenging living conditions such as temporary accommodations like hotels (GOV.UK).

The backlog of asylum cases remains high, with 172,758 people awaiting an initial decision as of March 2023. Despite promises to end child detention, there were still 30 instances of children entering immigration detention in the year ending March 2023 (Refugee Council).

Caring for not only the children who have been assigned homes, but for those living for months in temporary lodging, waiting to find out where they will be sent.

Young Carers: According to the 2021 ONS census, there are approximately 120,000 young carers aged 5-17 in England, with about 8,200 in Wales. The 2023 school census reported 53,976 pupils as young carers, likely an underrepresentation.

These young individuals undertake responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, and providing emotional support for family members with health conditions or substance misuse issues. They face significant educational challenges, including higher rates of school absences and increased stress and anxiety.

These statistics highlight the critical need for increased support and recognition of these vulnerable groups to help them manage their responsibilities while ensuring their personal development and well-being.

Thinking Outside the Box

Beyond supporting refugee children and young carers, there are numerous other ways schools can extend their partnerships to benefit the broader community:

1. Local Food Groups: Schools can collaborate with local food banks and community kitchens to help provide meals for families in need. This not only supports the community but also teaches students about food security, nutrition, and the importance of helping those less fortunate.

2. Socialising with the Elderly: Partnering with local nursing homes or elderly care centres can be immensely rewarding. Students can spend time with the elderly, engaging in activities such as reading, playing games, or simply providing company. This helps bridge the generational gap and instils a sense of respect and empathy for older generations.

3. Assisting the Homebound: Schools can organise volunteer groups to assist those who are unable to leave their homes. This can include picking up groceries, running errands, or simply checking in on them regularly. This not only provides essential services but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility in students.

4. Environmental Initiatives: Collaborating with local environmental groups for clean-up drives, tree planting, and conservation projects can be both educational and impactful. It teaches students the importance of environmental stewardship and the role they can play in preserving their surroundings.

The Power of Volunteerism

While the financial cost of these initiatives is minimal, the investment in volunteer time is substantial. However, the returns on this investment are immense. From an educational perspective, these partnerships not only support various groups in need but also enrich the learning experience of our students. By stepping outside traditional educational boundaries, we create a community that is more connected, compassionate, and informed.

Educational Benefits:

? Skill Development: Students gain practical skills such as project management, communication, and teamwork.

? Personal Growth: They develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of societal issues.

? Civic Engagement: Participation in community service fosters a sense of civic responsibility and active citizenship.

Community Impact:

? Support for Vulnerable Groups: Provides essential services and support to those in need.

? Strengthened Community Ties: Builds stronger, more cohesive communities.

? Shared Learning: Encourages mutual learning and understanding between different community groups.

Getting involved

Let's harness the power of our networks to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can create an environment where all children, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive.

For many of us it is a question of how you get started? A simple Google for Young Carers, refugee Children or similar will certainly give you initial contacts for an individual or a charity doing something in your area. Not being afraid to reach out is essential, as nearly every single time they will appreciate your interest and value what you have to offer, no matter how big or small your resource might be.

By embracing a more inclusive approach to school partnerships, we not only enhance the education of our students but also contribute to the well-being and development of the wider community.

Real-Life Examples

After-School Youth Club with Surrey Young Carers: One example is an after-school youth club, once a week in partnership with @SurreyYoungCarers. Students are dropped off at one of the partnership schools, provided with activities, refreshments, and most importantly, a chance to meet other children their age in a safe environment, where they can be children again, even if for a short period.

Our students arrive by taxi or by family/friends dropping them off. We provide the venue, catering, and activity provider, while the 'Young Carer' charity provides the students and manages the link with parents/guardians.

This initiative not only gives young carers a much-needed break but also allows our students to gain insights into the lives of their peers, fostering empathy and understanding.

Bells Farm Refugee Drop-In Centre in Hillingdon: Another example is Bells Farm, a refugee drop-in centre in Hillingdon. Our students regularly visit to help sort clothing donations, work in the kitchen, or manage the creche while parents receive support from various charities.

This costs nothing more than the expense of a minibus for the afternoon. Students also get involved in clothing, toiletry, and toy drives to raise donation levels so that all families using the facility can get what they need.

This hands-on experience teaches students about global issues and the challenges faced by refugees, instilling a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.

The Educational Value

The educational value of these initiatives is immense. Students gain practical skills such as project management, communication, and teamwork. They also develop personal qualities like empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of societal issues. Engaging in community service fosters a sense of civic responsibility and active citizenship.

From an educational perspective, these partnerships enrich the learning experience of our students, making them more well-rounded individuals. By stepping outside traditional educational boundaries, we create a community that is more connected, compassionate, and informed.

This is about teaching skills, but more importantly, it is about creating good human beings—people who care, who put others first, and who walk the earth with their eyes wide open, ready to make a difference.

With so many great ideas and so many wonderful initiatives happening across the country we can share our models, our risk assessments, our impact metrics etc.

"Collaboration, Not Competition"

Nearly every School Partnership hub offers something similar, but getting in touch and having that conversation, you will guarantee another avenue/opportunity for exploration, not previously thought of.

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