Learning Partnership West provides targeted support for young people in the West of England (B&NES, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset) through the Connexions Service.

LPW provides help and support for young people aged 13-19 (up to 25 for those with learning difficulties and disabilities). As well as helping them make informed choices about their futures, we also support them to address and remove barriers that are preventing them from moving their lives forward. We also help them enter and stay in education, training or employment and mentor and engage young people by:

• Providing information, advice and guidance
• Working closely with schools, academies and colleges
• Encouraging and supporting vulnerable young people
• Working with employers and training and education providers to increase opportunities
• Working in partnership with other similar organisations
• Assessing their needs and brokering the best possible specialist support for young people
• Providing regular support in 87 schools and all six colleges in the area

Since 2001, LPW have supported vulnerable young people through the Connexions Service and had a direct impact on their progression. Achievements across the West of England include:

• Working with over 20,000 vulnerable 13 to 19-year-olds
• Contributing extensively to the NEET rate – reduced by over a third in 10 years
• Supporting over 8,500 young people into work in the last three years
• Contributing to the participation in learning rate – increasing by 13.7% since 2005
• Contributing to a significant improvement in the attainment of young people. For example, in 2011, 1000 more young people achieved five A*-Cs at GCSE compared with 2008
• Supporting over 3,500 young people with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) through successful transitions into post-16 learning
• Supporting them and representing their views and ideas

Targeted Support for Young People in Schools and Colleges

As a school or college, you can purchase additional support for identified young people that benefits both parties. Benefits for young people include:

• Support to identify and remove barriers to learning
• Improved attendance and attainment through engagement and mentoring support
• Successful progression into post-16 learning

Benefits to schools and colleges include:

• Support to achieve attainment, attendance and progression targets
• Releasing teachers and support staff to focus on other priorities
• Improved relationships between young people and schools

If you are looking to access this service for young people, please click here to find your relevant contact details.