Last month, our Springboard provision was commended for an AoC Beacon Award, celebrating the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year.
This is the third year running we have been commended status for the RCU Beacon Award for Support for Students having previously done so in 2018/19, 2019/20 and now 2020/21.
AoC Beacon Awards is an annual event by AoC to provide recognition for excellence and innovation, acknowledging the talents of staff at all levels. Designed to promote the interdependence of further education colleges, business, professional and voluntary organisations to their mutual advantage, through highlighting excellence and sharing best practice.
Springboard is a unique and transformational provision designed for young people with high functioning Autism and associated communication, social, emotional and mental health challenges. The team are highly effective at re-engaging young people (into formal education), providing an environment in which they can thrive and empowering them to successfully transition to mainstream further education or employment.
The provision equips students with the confidence and social skills to form appropriate friendships and socialise with others, often for the first time. The therapeutic and tailored support implemented includes mentoring, mindfulness sessions, drama therapy, personal development and wellbeing in addition to life skills.
Springboard Manager, Hannah Tooze said: “At Springboard we place great emphasis on creating a nurturing environment and fostering a therapeutic approach to encourage social inclusion.”
Head of Curriculum Supported Studies and Springboard, Lara Mathie said: “To be receiving an AoC commended award truly reflects the incredible work Springboard do. We are very proud of the team’s achievements and the growth of our specialist provision.”
If you know someone that may benefit from our Springboard services, please click here.
To view the full list of commended colleges, click here.