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Positive Outcomes for Young People with Individual Needs
Transforming the lives of young people with individual needs, supporting them to reach their full potential and have positive outcomes.
History and background of POYPIN and
current activities
Findings in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) reveal parts of Rutherglen and Cambuslang remain among the most deprived in Scotland. Certain areas, such as Whitlawburn and Greenlees and Burnside and Springhall are ranked in the top five percent for deprivation in the entire country.
Many of the areas have remained in the most affected category each time the findings have been revealed, in 2012, 2016 and again in 2020. Rutherglen High is at the centre of these areas, providing nurturing education for young people with additional needs including severe and complex needs throughout their secondary school years and preparation for transitioning into adult services. These pupils are disadvantaged compared to others as many experiences a severe deficit in social skills which is a barrier to them integrating within adult service provisions such as college and can ultimately break down relationships and prevent inclusion.
Local Support
The school have already established a referral system to identify those pupils in category 1 and 2 most deprived area from information provided by SIMD matched with addresses, entitlements to free school meals, those who are identified as looked after and accommodated (LAAC) and links with multiple external agencies.
Transitional experiences from Rutherglen High range from successful college placements to bespoke vocational packages with specialist service provision. We have established partnership links with a range of leavers destinations to offer smooth transitions into adult services. Nevertheless, on analysis of the data from the last 4 years leavers outcomes, many have experienced an increase in mental health difficulties, particularly with those transitioning to college, experiencing a deficit in social skills and loss of relationship. Some have broken down completely and become isolated in their home. Data from the last academic session has been particularly high presumably as a direct impact from Covid-19.
One local authority group that has had successful transitions with young people into the community is Rutherglen and Cambuslang social work community resources which offer a broad range of activities, based on a consultation with families and close partnerships in the community. These included social skills groups, bespoke activities suitable to the individual needs of the groups of young people transitioning from school. They also build relationships during the transitional year for our young people to ensure the relationship continues in adult services and young people feel connected.
Future Activities
Rutherglen High is recruiting volunteers to assist with a buddy system for those transitioning to college, to allow a virtual relationship building in preparation for college placements. We are working closely with partnerships in adult service provisions to create new volunteering projects with young people with additional needs. This type of project has its limitations as it supports relationship building but the need for regeneration of economic, physical and social decline is dominant. We propose to have a three-year transitional project with a transitional link between those identified in category 1 and 2 most socially deprived and their leavers destinations. They will also run social skills groups throughout the week reaching out to several young people to support the development of their social skills, essential for mental health and inclusion. The availability of these groups throughout holiday times will ensure sustainability as the consistency of support will remain throughout the year, with intense support through term time.
Project Rollout
2 National Autistic Society (NAS) staff members to be based at schools: 1 Autism Transitions Co-ordinator (20 hours) and 1 Autism project worker (14 hours).
Transition Overview with modules that will be person centred and remain open to additional elements to meet the needs of the young people identified through the established referral system.
The Transitions Project will deliver sessions to young people on: Autism Awareness, Social Navigation Skills, Emotion Management, Relationships, Money Matters, Independent Travel and Transitions from School to College.
Transitions from school to college will include travel to college and familiarisation visits with young people.
Staff will deliver regular Social Groups for up to 10 pupils in person and classes virtually, from each school term time and during holidays. Holiday social clubs will ensure consistency in relationships and social skills in preparation for transitions.
If you are interested in any further information about this project please contact using the online form below.