Chiefs Engage 16
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.
What do we Offer?
Participants in programme regularly report an increase in resilience, self-confidence and aspiration as a result of their involvement, and over 70% go on to achieve a positive progression into further education, training or employment.
- Essential enrichment and physical activities that supports the development of the whole individual through not only improving their mental but physical wellbeing
- A relaxed environment to also improve their functional maths and English, develop valuable life/soft skills and gain important qualifications
- Work experience, employer-led sessions, guest speakers and bolt on qualifications.
- Exposition to all students to the wider world and giving opportunities to practice soft skills.
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
Personalized progression passports and close collaboration with professional agencies to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. We work with parents via Section 19 or Virtual Wallet.
ENGAGEMENT THROUGH ACTIVITIES
To allow young people to heal, grow, have fun and create memorable experiences, helping them to see the positives in everyday life. Trips surfing, raft building, Cornwall's Adrenaline Quarry, bowling, careers fairs, Winners Gym and many other phenomenal opportunities to evolve the above.
QUALIFICATIONS
BTEC Level 1 Sport
BTEC Level 1 Employability
Functional Skills (up to Level 2)
Leadership, First Aid, CSCS cards, Health & Hygine Certificates
POSITIVE IMPACT
Engaging all learners of both study programmes in a range of physical 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
To ensure 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 by having trusting adult relationship and mentorships lasting for a key part of their teenage lives.
Our Programme
Starting
September 2025
AGES
16 to 25 (EHCP Required)
RECRUITMENT
All Year Around, roll on, roll off
ACTIVITIES
Team building, Paddle Boarding, Paint Balling, Exploring, Cooking, Archery and Much More
WORK EXPERIENCE
Offering Interview Skills, CV Writing and Work Experience Placements
EXIT ROUTES
Level 2/3 programmes, apprenticeship programmes and full time or part time work
Our Engage Team
Lewis Griffiths
Community Education Manager
Angelique Aldworth
Chiefs Engage Co-ordinator
“We believe this programme will help us to truly engage young people in our local area” Lewis Griffiths, educational lead of the programme for Chiefs said.
Interested in joining our Chiefs Engage Alternative Provision programme?