PA Bulletin 10th July 2009

The Connexions Surrey bulletin is produced every two weeks and we aim to keep you up to date with current issues and aware of news that is relevant to your day to day jobs. The bulletin sits alongside the PA Resource section of the website.

 

1. NEET: Update, Job Opportunities, Activities

2. Connexions Training Programmes

3. Surrey County Council Training Programmes

4. Student Loans 2010/2011

5. Children, Schools and Families News Bulletin

6. PA Conference

7. Online Vacancies for Young People

8. Promoting Connexions

9. Facebook – Your Help Please…

 

1: NEET

 

UPDATE

How well are we doing in 2009? Click Here for the latest graphs on NEET, Unknowns and NEET by Borough Breakdown.

 

Job Opportunities for Young People
Our Centres produce regular listings of local opportunities. Vacancy Bulletins are now listed on the Connexions website Job search page and you can also pick up copies from your local Centre to share with the young people you are currently working with.

 

NEET Activities Flyer  - 2009  

The aim of this section is to provide a summary of the types of activities, events or programs that are currently available or upcoming, which may interest and be of benefit to NEET young people.

We hope that you can pass on the information and encourage NEET young people with a view to potentially getting them signed up for an activity that may be starting soon.

 

Flyer 

 

Alternatively if you are involved in, or know of any NEET (16-18 year old) activities that are taking place this year, please provide the following details and we will include it in the flyer:

 

• Course/Event title
• Brief description, to include, number of weeks, core content, referral process etc
• Agency/Provider
• Dates
• Time
• Costs (if any incurred by young person)
• Contact name
• Contact details i.e. telephone number and email address

(Suggestions should be directed ASAP to the following)

 

Jemma Campbell – Connexions Surrey

jemma.campbell@surreycc.gov.uk 

Tel: 01483 519350

 

 

 

 

2.Connexions Training Programmes - To register for any of the following courses:  Please complete the attached application form and email it to Corinne Ford at corinne.ford@surreycc.gov.uk and cc your line manager.

 

 

Introduction to the new IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) standards.

   

The new IAG standards underpin all work undertaken by the Learning Networks and the introduction of the new diplomas. They also highlight how training providers and Connexions should be working. As it is important that all Personal Advisers have a good understanding of the IAG standards, those who have not attended any of the courses will be sent by post the standards with questions that must be answered. Please ensure the required work is sent back to

Corinne Ford, Connexions, First Floor, Quadrant Court, 35, Guildford Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 7QQ by the end of July.

 

Introduction to ADAPT

 

Aim - To provide training on the use of Adapt and obtain a good understanding of the system. As a result of the course participants should have a good understanding of Adapt and be able to record work with clients

 

The course covers:

·         Adding and amending records for clients

·         Recording contacts/plans

·         Recording letters and telephone contacts

·         Joining and leaving clients to NEET

·         Recording a Potential/Actual Endorsement

·         Recording Group Sessions etc

·         Be able to record work with providers/opportunities

·         Adding new providers

·         Amending records

·         Recording a visit

·         Adding and submitting to an opportunity

·         Recording the outcome of a submission

·         Putting an opportunity on HOLD and then back on to LIVE & Canceling an Opportunity

                       

 

Dates	Times	Venue
13-Aug-09	09:45-15:30	Redhill Connexions Centre
13-Aug-09	09:45-15:30	Crawly Connexions Centre
15-Sep-09	09:45-15:30	Redhill Connexions Centre
15-Sep-09	09:45-15:30	Crawly Connexions Centre

 

 

ADAPT Workshop

 

Aim: To provide training on the use of Adapt and obtain a better understanding of the system and to:

 

• Manipulate data in a record card
• Manipulate data in the daily planner
• Run both formal searches and a magic search
• Manipulate search result
• Print search results
• Run a report to obtain statistical data

 

Dates	Times	Venue
09-Sep-09	09:45-15:30	Redhill Connexions Centre

 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – “Everybody’s business” workshop and e-learning

 

The course material is divided into 4 sections to be completed by the end date as shown for each programme

 

•   Section 1 – Raising awareness (what is mental health, risk and resilience factors)

•   Section 2 – Mental health (diagnostic labels, mental health disorders, assessment, child development)

•   Section 3 – Roles and responsibilities (structure of CAMHS, what can be done by front-line, case studies, when to refer on)

•   Section 4 – What helps (listening skills, engaging young people)

 

If you were unable to attend the recent initial workshops but would still like to register onto the course you can either register independently and attend an end of course session or let Corinne Ford know of your interest so a further date can be arranged. Please complete a nomination form stating whether you want to go on a waiting list or would like to do the course independently and send to corinne.ford@surreycc.gov.uk

 

Corinne Ford will advise on the registration process once nomination forms have been received. If doing the course independently your details can be forwarded to a Tutor who can work with you during the course.End of course workshops are also available to  PAs who register independently.

 

Dates	Times	Venue
End of course feedback for those who attended Redhill induction 12-Jun-09 and independent learners
07-Oct-09	9.30-11.30	Redhill Connexions
End of course feedback for those who attended Guildford induction 18 –Jun-09 and independent learners
15-Oct-09	9.30-11.30	Guildford AO3

 

 

3. Surrey County Council Courses - Places on all SCC courses listed below available at time of Bulletin issue   but please book early to avoid disappointment.

The Following courses are also available but provided by Surrey County Council for SCC Employees.  To apply for these courses: Please complete the attached SCC training application form and email to Corinne Ford at corinne.ford@surreycc.gov.uk and cc your line manager.

 

Managing Challenging Interactions

Aim - To provide staff with the skills and self-awareness to handle challenging interactions effectively, resulting in positive outcomes.

This workshop provides participants with insights into their interactions with young people, families, colleagues and other agencies that they are working with. There will be opportunities to explore relevant models and techniques to understand their own reactions in these challenging circumstances and how they can manage the impact of these interactions on themselves. The workshop provides a supportive atmosphere to discuss real life issues that participants face and identify practical steps to take to manage their own reactions and the challenging interactions more effectively.

Dates	Times	Venue
03-11-09	9.30am-4.30pm	The Runnymede Centre Addlestone
14-01-10	9.30am-4.30pm	A02 Reigate

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAF One Day Multi-Agency Training for Users

To enable participants to understand the purpose, the benefits and procedures of the Common Assessment Framework. Please note: It is advisable to complete the on-line Basic Awareness Training before you attend this course.

 

Date	Time	Location
14/09/09	09:15 - 15:30	Quadrant Court
28/09/09	09:15 - 15:30	Guildford Children's centre, Hazel Av, Bellfields, Guildford, GU1 1NR
05/10/09	09:15 - 15:30	Guildford Children's centre, Hazel Av, Bellfields, Guildford, GU1 1NR
12/10/09	09:15 - 15:30	Guildford Children's centre, Hazel Av, Bellfields, Guildford, GU1 1NR
02/11/09	09:15 - 15:30	Quadrant Court,
03/12/09	09:15 - 15:30	Mid Surrey Area Office (AO1),
09/12/09	09:15 - 15:30	Runnymede Centre, Chertsey Road, Addlestone, KT15 2EP

CAF half-day refresher course for users

This course has been designed for professionals who have received training eight to twelve months ago and for professionals who are already familiar with the ECM Agenda and the Assessment Framework (Locality staff, new Social Workers and Education Support staff).

It is vital at this time for the CAF implementation across the County, which is gathering pace that all professionals are up to date and secure in their understanding of the CAF 5-Step process.

Attendance will give an opportunity to professionals to update their knowledge on current CAF processes and new arrangements to query if a CAF Assessment has already been undertaken on a child.

Date	Time	Location
07/12/09	09:30-13:30	Guildford Children's Centre, Hazel Av, Guildford Children's Centre GU1 1NR

 4. Student Loans 2010/2011

Arrangements for the higher education support regulations for English students for 2010/11.

Changes to the support package: detail

Full time tuition fees

•        The maximum tuition fee for a full-time course will be increased to £3,290 in 2010/2011 a rise of 2.04%.

•        The maximum full-time student loan for tuition fees will also be increased to £3,290 in 2010/11.

Other help for full time students

•        There will be no increase during 2010/11 to the Student Loan for Maintenance (A K A the loan for living costs), the Maintenance Grant, the Special Support Grant, or targeted support (Childcare Grant, Adult Dependants’ Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance, Disabled Student’s Allowances).   

•        The maximum amounts and thresholds for these grants, allowances and loans will be maintained at 2009/10 levels.

Help for part time students

•        Maximum amounts and thresholds for part-time students will be increased by 2.04% in 2010/11.  Students will be eligible for a means tested Fee Grant of up to £1,230, and a means tested course Grant of up to £265.

Changes to the help available for Post Graduate Initial Teacher Training

•        New students undertaking full time PGCE and equivalent courses in the Schools and Lifelong Learning Sectors will be eligible for the same package of support as full- time undergraduates

•        And new students undertaking a part- time PGCE or equivalent course will be eligible for the same support package as other part- time students: a means tested fee grant, and a means tested course grant

•        Students on full time PGCE and equivalent courses will continue to get a much better package of help than most other postgraduate students.

 

 

10/11-application cycle

 

Due to this late decision, it is unlikely that the application cycle for Student Finance England will open before November 2009.

 

 

Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

 

Information relating to the student finance package for the 10/11 application cycle in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be issued by the devolved administrations in those domiciles in due course. Please cascade this information within your organisation as appropriate.

 

 

The full loan, grant and fee rates document will be available on our Practitioners website later this week at www.practitioners.studentfinanceengland.co.uk

 

 

5. Children, Schools and Families News Bulletin

Please follow the link to the June 2009 Children, Schools and Families News Bulletin.   Children, Schools & Families News Bulletin - June 2009

  

 

6. PA Conference -28^th July 09:00-16:30 (Burford Bridge Hotel, Dorking)

Please make sure that this important annual event is in your diary, Personal Advisers should all have recieved their invitations now please let us know if you havent by emailing jemma.campbell@surreycc.gov.uk closing date for RSVP is 17th July and we want as many of you there as possible. We have lots of interesting and enjoyable things planned so it should be an excellent day out - see you there!!

 

 

7. Online Vacancies for Young People

 

Please remember to direct your young people to our website and encourage them to spend a few minutes completing a few questions on our Job Search page which will open up the database of jobs relevant and available to them. With over 120 vacancies on the database this is a valable resource which we are keen to promote.

 

 

8. Promoting Connexions

 

A reminder to all that we’ve still got materials to promote your work and the Connexions brand – it’s all freely available so please contact chris.bussicott@surreycc.gov.uk to discuss your requirements

 

Give-away items;

Pens & Pencils (Various types)

Logo-bugs – assorted animal characters

Promotional items;

Metal door signs

Self-adhesive window stickers

Postcards – 12 different designs highlighting issues faced by young people

A4 posters – matching the postcards and others advertising general Connexions services

Posters, phone number stickers, and keeper cards promoting the Connexions Direct phone service

Mouse Mats

Other Items:

Connexions Exam Envelopes

Congratulations on reaching 20 Next Step birthday cards

9. Facebook – Your Help Please…

 

Connexions Surrey has set up a Facebook Profile, so far we have 100 members, but we would love to make it more like 400!! We would very much encourage PA’s to help get this off the ground.

Social networking is an excellent platform for engaging with and linking Young People, currently we have a quiz on our page, which will run for 2 weeks on issues surrounding parent's attitudes towards their teenagers having sex.

We have used opportunities for consultation, prizes, and days out and meeting new friends as incentives to get young people to join. Please promote this to your clients and encourage them to make friends with: Connexions Surrey by logging on to their www.facebook.com profile and searching for us. Any queries about this should be directed to:

 

Nicole Bradshaw or Ashleigh Phillips - Involving Young People Workers

Tel:01483 519 333

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