Leicester YMCA is passionate about the development of children and young people and has long been building services that will empower, excite and increase participation. This page explains what we can offer schools, followed by examples of our outstanding partnerships with schools where our expertise has proved invaluable.

The Government's Every Child Matters vision is changing the landscape of schools. Playing a key role is the Extended Schools strategy to develop services and raise standards of achievement for children and young people.

Planning services to fulfil these requirements need not be a struggle because voluntary providers, such as Leicester YMCA, have already spent time perfecting services that can enhance what schools have to offer. Sports or arts sessions could also be delivered to cover teachers taking time out for PPA (planning, preparation and assessment).

What we can offer

Quality childcare

  • Pupils can access Leicester YMCA's holiday play schemes
  • Our fully qualified staff can help deliver the wrap around child care you need at your school, with breakfast clubs or after school care.

Varied menu of activities & community access

We can provide specialist tutors for after school activities, PPA cover or offsite provision at primary and secondary level:
  • Sports and fitness, young leaders awards, Sports e2e
  • Arts, dance, drama and storytelling
  • Professional theatre and dance with workshops
  • Access to YMCA football pitches, sports ground, dance studio, sports hall and theatre (The Y)

Parenting support

  • We are accredited to deliver Strengthening Families and have also designed our own parenting course.
  • We can use our expertise to tailor a course, parent surgeries to your needs.
  • Get our exciting parenting pack to support your own work, including course guide, board game and black facts posters and playing cards

Swift and easy access to specialist support

  • Leicester YMCA has an excellent track record of working with vulnerable young people, especially in housing and education
  • We have provided support to pupils at risk of exclusion in areas such as; Anger Management, Bullying and Building Self Esteem
  • Providers of ASDAN, Entry to Employment (e2e), Basic Skills, Health & Safety, First Aid and Community Sports Leaders Awards




Partnerships

Creative Partnerships

The Y has worked successfully with Woodstock Primary School for three years through the Government's flagship Creative Partnerships programme, which gives schools access to the expertise of creative organisations. This phase has now come to an end and we will be commencing a new programme with several different schools in the autumn term as a Creative Agent.

"I feel the class has made real progress in their language development not only related to the vocabulary they have learned but also in their confidence to share their own ideas. Since these sessions began there has been a noticeable improvement in the children's performing and listening skills."
Suzanne Curtis, Teacher

The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts

Thanks to funding we have been able to give schools in Leicester access to high quality, touring performances and workshops throughout the year. The Y presents gripping dramas addressing teenage issues as well as colourful and inspiring productions for younger children. This programme will continue into 2008, please contact us for further information on 0116 204 6216 or email the Arts & Education Dept.
www.childrenandarts.org.uk

Riverside Alternative Curriculum

In 2006 we began providing placements for young people from Riverside Business & Enterprise College for 2 days a week. The 15 – 16 year olds were chosen as potential high achievers who were not engaging with the school curriculum with the aim of motivating them and helping them to re-integrate. They achieved qualifications in ASDAN, Health & Safety, First Aid and Sports Leadership.

Fit Kidz

Sports programmes have been used to tackle childhood obesity and to give young people a healthy focus. In 2007 YMCA staff provided sessions at Avenue Junior School for 8 -11 year olds.