Salford Connexions recently launched its own guide providing best practice advice on how to prevent school leavers slipping into NEET (not in education, employment or training).
Connexions analysis of young people who left Year 11 last year (2007) showed that 6.3% of school leavers in the UK fall into this category with 7.1% of Salford school leavers leaving school and becoming NEET.
The data represents destinations as at 1st November 2007, this is the official benchmark target which is set each year.
The publication entitled Preventing NEET – In Salford A Guide for Schools, was launched to head teachers and principals from Salford’s schools and colleges at the Connexions Centre at Salford in mid July. Dr Anthony Edkins, Executive Head teacher for Harrop Fold High School provided an inspirational keynote speech.
Connexions Salford, with support from the Salford 13-19 Strategic Partnership and the Learning Skills Council has developed the Guide to help schools to prevent their pupils from leaving compulsory education and becoming NEET.
Annette Hughes, Connexions Manager Salford said: “The launch was an excellent event and we’d like to thank all the head teachers and principals for finding the time in their busy schedules to attend. We managed to raise awareness of the importance of preventing NEET pre 16 and highlight the value of joint working in order to provide young people with the best possible opportunities. Having a launch event was a very effective way of achieving this and we believe the audience took a great deal from the session.”
If you would like further information about the Preventing NEET Guide please contact the IAG Matters Team at Connexions Salford on 0161 743 0163