Introduction

Welcome to the February Newsletter.

We hope that you continue to keep safe and well. Juggling staff absences, Covid outbreaks and stretched capacity we know is an ongoing challenge. Please do continue to call on us where we can offer and be of support. Please do also share any great work that you’re doing. We would like to take all opportunities to shout about what you’re achieving. If you’re using social media a reminder to tag us @YouthSportTrust using the #YSTLeadSchools.

You’ll find key actions, updates, and resources below.

ACTIONS

Baseline Surveys

The number of young coaches who have completed the baseline surveys is currently below where we would expect it to be given the data collected through Termly Data Collection. Please could we ask that you ensure as you continue to commence your programmes that you strongly encourage baseline survey’s to be completed. If you’re unsure of the link to use, please contact Martin who will be able to support you.

Case Studies

We are currently looking for a small number of young person case studies to support our work within the Girls Coaching space. We would like to compile a few short case studies showcasing girls’ journeys who have previously been engaged in the programme. We are aiming to explore the impact their involvement in the programme has had on their ongoing engagement in school, leadership and beyond, in both confidence and skill development. You might have a young person that immediately springs to mind whereby they flourished through being involved. If you have any pupils that are still involved or connected with that you feel might make excellent case studies, please get in contact with me directly. Ideally the girls would have taken part in the programme 2-3 years ago. Any case studies produced would be made available for you to use for promotional purposes (with permission from the individuals).

UPDATES

Informal Connect

The next informal connect will be taking place on Thursday 10 February from 15:30-16:30. Please do accept or decline the invite to give us a rough idea of who will be in attendance. A reminder that this is an optional session, so it isn’t compulsory to attend. The more that attend the greater the sharing of ideas so please do come ready to get involved. 

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

Package to transform education and opportunities for most disadvantaged – Gov.uk

Skills, schools and families at the heart of government plans to improve public services and level up left behind areas.

New Government report reveals reduction of PE in schools

A new government-commissioned research report has been published today which reveals how schools responded to the impact of Covid in the last academic year.

The Youth Sport Trust has responded to the report which found that 56 per cent of primary and 37 per cent of secondary schools said they had reduced hours for certain subjects, “particularly music and PE”.

Children with special educational needs adversely affected by lockdown: ‘I couldn’t use Zoom like others’ – Independent

Youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities suffered disruption to education and health services and many felt isolated, the study reveals.

The Times view on the education commission report: Learning for Life – The Times

A special Times commission report is calling for changes to education that would make it better suited to the world of work and the digital age.