Step Forward

Project purpose

Step Forward is a project run by City and Islington College to re-integrate young people not involved in education, employment or training (NEETS) back into the education system in gradual stages.

Students are provided with advice and guidance, and gain a solid skills-base from the training that will allow them a smooth transition into further education and potentially a career.

Project approach

The Step Forward project targets 16 to 19 year olds from the London Borough of Islington who have ceased to be employed or engaged in any form of education. Initially, the prospective students are contacted and invited to the centre and receive advice on how to achieve their goals through study that will take into account their differing educational requirements.

Classes focus on the improvement of basic skills such as literacy, numeracy and communication. Through teamwork exercises, organisation and planning skills are also gained. Students are eased back into the structure of formal education through the flexible nature of the programme, which is arranged in six-week units to allow frequent points of entry. Students are able to do as many units as they wish until they feel ready to progress on to another course within the college or elsewhere.

Key benefits and impact

• Gradually re-engages 'NEETS' back into the education system.
• Identifies and addresses individuals’ gaps in learning and provides students with a solid skills-base.
• Provides students with a high level of individualised learning in a safe, non-judgemental environment.