Chiefs Engage
Alternative Provision at Topsham RFC
Our education programme working with 16-25 year olds carrying an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan) across Devon.
The programme uses rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship to keep young people in education, training, take up apprenticeships and/or employment, using physical activity as the vehicle of their success. An outcome of SEND that is often not considered.
The Chiefs Engage 16+ programme is supported nationally by CVC capital Partners, locally by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation and Devon Wooden Spoon charity partnering with Exeter College. The programme runs from Topsham RFC, in Topsham, Exeter. Which offers fantastic facilities including four acres of ground and is an easily accessible location.
The Benefits
Many of the young adults we support have mental health issues, academic struggles, behavioural problems, or traumas that have affected their education and resulted in an EHCP with SEN needs or at young adult that an EHCP has been granted for SEM need on an individual basis. Each student fills works through progression passports and our staff work closely with all the professional agencies that surround the learner and their other supportive network, allowing us to help them overcome obstacles and
achieve their goals.
TARGETED SUPPORT
Many of the young people we support have mental health issues, academic struggles, behavioural problems, or traumas that have affected their education. Each student fills in a progression passport and our staff work closely with the referrer and their supportive network, allowing us to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
POSITIVE IMPACT
By taking participants out of their everyday routines and engaging them in a range of activities we can see enhancements in their confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills, providing them with essential tools to break down barriers and face life's challenges.
HOLISTIC WELLBEING
Mindfulness and creative sessions promote overall wellbeing to enhance mental and emotional health, teach new skills and coping strategies. Young people also can work with referral agencies for counselling and other support networks.
HIGH STAFF-TO-PUPIL RATIO
A high staff-to-pupil ratio ensures that each young person's individual needs are met. This approach creates a safe and supportive environment, allowing the participants to reach their highest levels of personal achievement and take pride in themselves.
ENGAGEMENT THROUGH ACTIVITIES
Physical, social and emotional development opportunities allow young people to heal, grow, have fun and create memorable experiences, helping them to see the positives in everyday life.
RE-INTEGRATION AND RE-ENGAGEMENT
The ultimate goal of the Engage programme is to reintegrate and re-engage every young person in learning and put them on a positive path toward their future. We use mentors to support reintegration, and this will continue through their academic journey.
WORK EXPERIENCE AND ENRICHMENT
Engage understands the importance of practical skills and work opportunities, we have a unique opportunity to offer supported work experience opportunities within the stadium and with local businesses, furnishing the young people with hands on experiences in an array of work settings.
GUEST SPEAKERS AND EDUCATIONAL TOPICS:
Engage understands the importance of practical skills and work opportunities, we have a unique opportunity to offer supported work experience opportunities within the stadium and with local businesses, furnishing the young people with hands on experiences in an array of work settings.
Our Engage Team
Lewis Griffiths
Community Education Manager
Angelique Aldworth
Chiefs Engage Co-ordinator
Steve Loder
Chiefs Engage Officer
Andy Bassett
Chiefs Engage Volunteer
Through your care, compassion, and unwavering commitment, you have given him what he was missing strong, safe, respectful male role models. Lewis, Steve & Andy With your support, he has slowly returned to himself. The light is back in his eyes. He is kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged in life once more. His relationships with his siblings and father have blossomed. He is full of love, affection, and humour. He’s gentle with animals, generous with his cousins, and grounded in his daily life.
Most incredibly, he now sees a future. Thanks to you, he is planning to re-join the education system in September and attend Exeter College something we never imagined possible. He is choosing to sit GCSEs. He talks about goals, possibilities, and success.
This programme has not just supported him it has saved him. There are no words that could truly reflect the depth of our gratitude, but please know that we will always be indebted to the ENGAGE programme. You’ve given our son his life back, and for that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Elie Weich
Interested in joining our Chiefs Engage Alternative Provision programme?