About the students

For every learner to realise and achieve their potential

Catchment

All Areas of Lincolnshire

Curriculum

Sprint pathway

Innovate. Accelerate. Succeed.

Intent 

Our Sprint pathway aims to prepare individuals for paid employment. We support students' personal and professional development by

• providing a curriculum that focuses on workplace skills
• building independence
• nurturing self-confidence

Through tailored training, we equip Sprint interns with the tools and knowledge needed in the workplace.

Implementation 

The Sprint curriculum is a combination of active learning, job coaching, and practical work. These experiences complement the intern's learning skills for the workplace. Sprint interns engage in real-world tasks and projects, and support from dedicated mentors. Our curriculum is personalised to the aspirations of each intern. We have individual support plans to ensure a seamless transition into the workplace. We prioritise fostering a supportive environment that promotes the development of transferable skills.  

Impact

We measure the impact of the curriculum on the success of interns entering the workplace.
The measure of success of the Sprint pathway is a transition to sustained and paid employment. We aim to empower interns to become independent and contributors to their chosen industry. Our career curriculum strives to enhance their employability and career opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to support the lives of interns, enabling them to be valued members of the workforce and community. 

Working towards EHCP outcomes 

• communication and interaction 
• cognition and learning 

Sprint curriculum subjects 

• English
• Maths
• personalised employability skills   

Sprint qualifications 

• GCSE
• Functional Skills Maths and English
• personalised qualifications

Sprint work placement 

Sprint learners will spend around 70 percent of their time in a workplace (2 days) supported by a job coach. 

Duration 

6 to 12 months.

Who is it for? 

Interns that have work experience, through secondary or post-16 education and have a strong motivation to work. Parents and carers sharing their aspirations for employment is also an important factor. 

Size of group 

12 to 15.

Progression  

Learners who complete this programme will progress into: 

• paid employment 
• where that is not possible, supporting interns with job searches and signposting to other work opportunities 

For every learner to realise and achieve their potential.

Stride pathway

Explore. Discover. Achieve

Intent 

Academic excellence: The Stride pathway aims to challenge and inspire learners.
Our curriculum encourages:

• curiosity
• critical thinking
• collaboration
• creativity and a thirst for knowledge

Learners will explore diverse subjects, discover their passions, and achieve academic excellence. 

Enhance employability skills: alongside academic achievement, the pathway focuses on developing employability skills. Learners will engage in work-related learning experiences, career exploration, and practical skill development. Stride aims to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed for employment or further education. 

Independent learning: we foster independence and self-directed learning skills within the Stride pathway. Learners are encouraged to take ownership of their education, set goals, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. We equip learners with the tools necessary to become confident learners. 

Implementation 

The curriculum includes academic learning, work experience, and employability skills. To develop a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience. 

Each learner will work with the careers team to identify their career goals, strengths, and areas for development. Our plans will outline the steps and resources, to support learners throughout the programme. To meet their needs at every stage. 

We will establish partnerships with local employers and industry professionals. To offer meaningful work experience opportunities for learners. We work closely with employers to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment for students. 

The programme will incorporate dedicated sessions to develop essential employability skills, including:

• communication
• teamwork
• problem-solving
• time management
• lessons on job search strategies
• CV writing
• interview skills
• workplace etiquette
• mock interviews

You will attend networking events, and career fairs, to gain confidence as a professional. 

We will collaborate with local authorities, job centres, and SEND employment advisors. To access additional resources, funding, and support services for learners with SEND. Establishing partnerships will provide students with additional support and opportunities. 

Impact 

Learners will develop knowledge and experiences to increase their employability, enabling them to compete in the job market. 

The programme will build confidence, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. 

Learners will transition from education to employment, securing sustainable employment opportunities aligned with their interests, abilities, and aspirations. 

The programme will contribute to a more inclusive society by promoting equal opportunities for individuals with SEND. By challenging societal barriers to their employment. 

Working towards Educational Health Care Plan outcomes 

• communication and interaction 
• cognition and learning 
• emotional social and mental health 

Stride curriculum subjects 

• English
• Maths
• preparation for adulthood
• digital functional skills
• work experience
• customer service
• employability
• community action 

Stride qualifications 

• GCSE or Functional Skills Maths and English
• City & Guilds Customer Service L1 and L2
• City & Guilds Employability L1 and L2
• Health & Safety L1 and L2
• Level 1 Digital Functional Skills

Stride work experience hours 

Stride learners will complete a minimum of 30 weeks of work experience. This equates to around 8 hours per week. Work experience placements on Stride will begin around November and December. These hours will be external work experience placements. 

Duration 

One to two years. 

Who is it for? 

Learners who have the confidence to be able to complete a work experience placement and wish to improve their skills. The intention will then be to secure paid employment or an apprenticeship within two years.  Learners need to:  

• the age of 16 to 19 (up to 24 if they have an Educational Health Care Plan) 
• be confident in familiar situations 
• be able to communicate effectively 
• able to travel independently 
• have some idea of potential career paths 
• wish to improve their skills

Size of group 

10-12 

Progression  

Learners who complete this programme may progress onto: 

• Sprint pathway (supported internship) 
• Thrive programme 
• a further education programme 
• apprenticeship 
• voluntary or paid employment 

Step pathway

Inspire. Empower. Progress. 

Intent 

Develop essential skills: The Step pathway aims to provide a foundation for learners, focusing on building academic and life skills. Learners will develop:

• English
• Maths
• communication
• preparing for adulthood
• problem-solving skills

Promote independence: the Step pathway places a strong emphasis on developing independence skills. Learners will learn self-advocacy, decision-making, and self-management skills. We empower learners to become confident and self-reliant individuals. 

Building confidence: through engaging activities and strive to enhance learners' self-esteem and confidence. The Step pathway encourages self-expression, teamwork, and the development of social skills. To enable learners to overcome obstacles and approach challenges with resilience. Learners will have the opportunity to improve their English and Maths skills for everyday and work. They will have the opportunity to complete community projects, volunteering, enterprise and work experience. Learners will receive careers advice and guidance throughout their programme.

Implementation 

We adopt a person-centred approach, collaborating with learners, their families, guardians and multi-disciplinary professionals. To ensure we tailor the curriculum to individual needs, interests, and goals. 

The dedicated team of staff who have expertise in special education, inclusion, and supporting SEND learners. They receive on-going professional development to remain up-to-date with effective practices. 

We employ adaptive teaching instruction techniques, and assessment approaches to accommodate the varied experiences of our learners. Our staff use visual supports, technology, and multi-sensory approaches to promote learning.

We establish partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and community resources to provide authentic learning experiences. Including work placements, and opportunities for social integration. 

We assess learners' progress, providing feedback and support to develop. We communicate with families, guardians and professionals to update them on their progression.

Impact 

Learners demonstrate increased independence in managing daily tasks, decision-making, and problem-solving leading to greater self-confidence and autonomy. 

Learners acquire and apply essential life skills, such as:

• personal hygiene
• cooking
• budgeting
• time management, 
• utilising community resources effectively 

Learners develop functional English, Maths, and digital competency skills that support their engagement in real-life situations. Which enables them to make informed choices, access information, and communicate effectively. 

Learners gain exposure to various vocational areas, develop relevant skills, and demonstrate an understanding of workplace expectations. Therefore enhancing their readiness for future employment or further vocational training. 

Working towards Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes 

• communication and interaction 
• cognition and learning 
• emotional social and mental health 
• confidence and social skills 

Step curriculum subjects 

English, Maths, preparation for adulthood, work experience, customer service.
 

Step qualifications 

• GCSE
• Functional Skills Maths and English
• customer service

Step work experience hours 

Step learners will complete a minimum of 15 weeks work experience. This equates to around four hours per week. Work experience placements on Step will start around January and February time. These hours can be for internal, external and virtual work experience. 

Duration 

One to two years.

Who is it for? 

Open to 16-19 year olds (up to 24 if they have an Educational Health Care Plan) on a full or part time basis.  

Size of group 

8 to 12.

Progression  

Learners who complete this programme may progress onto: 

• the Stride pathway 
• the Sprint pathway 
• a further education programme 
• voluntary or paid employment 

For every learner to realise and achieve their potential.

Specialist facilities

Additional learning support

We support all of our learners by providing a range of support to ensure all their individual needs are met. We are committed to removing barriers to learning so all of our young people reach their full potential.

If you feel you need some additional support, please let a member of staff know and we will develop a learner led plan of support for you

Pastoral support

Pastoral Support is a service that gives help and support to learners as well as providing information, advice and guidance. Staff work with colleagues, parents/carers and other specialist agencies to offer support and remove any barriers to learning as quickly as possible. It includes for example, behaviour, emotional, and academic support (including intervention work, specialised timetables), restorative approaches, peer mediation and links to specialist external agencies when needed. Every InspireU site has a Wellbeing Coach on site every day. The Wellbeing Coach aims to empower learners to enhance their overall health, resilience and quality of life by providing personalised guidance, support, and strategies to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being

Freddie – Our Therapy Dog

Freddie joined InspireU from the Autism Dogs CIC charity and he is a fully-fledged therapy dog.

Freddie visits as many of the sites as possible and can be booked in for requested visits. Freddie helps learners with their studies and takes an active part in classes with learners and their learning. Freddie offers emotional support, comfort, and a calming presence to learners, staff, and visitors. Freddie can help reduce stress, anxiety, and create a positive and welcoming environment that promotes well-being and enhances the overall learning experience

Autism Dogs CIC achieved accreditation by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). ADI establishes and promotes standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership, and is the leading global authority in the Assistance Dogs industry. 

Other information

Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) is an important part of your programme and will support you to:

• understand yourself, your interests, likes and dislikes, what you are good at and how this affects the choices you have
• understand the different routes for young people including training, further and higher education, Apprenticeships and employment
• gain experience of different employers through visits, taster days and work experience
• make realistic, but ambitious, choices about your next steps
• develop the skills you may need for working life and independence
• develop a plan of action for the future

We will do this through CIAG sessions, including this information in other taught sessions, 1:1s and by giving you access to other resources, such as, attending a number of careers events throughout the year, online careers advice and guest speakers.

Staff will also be able to give you information, advice and guidance in all areas, such as, support with housing, benefits and support agencies. If they do not know the answer to your query, they will be able to signpost you to other staff members or external agencies, who will be able to support you.