Support to continue for Sheffield children at risk of truanting or being excluded from schools

Sheffield children as young as eight who are at risk of truanting or being excluded from school will continue to get support from special mentors.
By Lucy Ashton, Local Democracy Reporter
Published 27th Feb 2020, 11:45 BST
Updated 27th Feb 2020, 11:45 BST
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Sheffield Council’s Mentoring Service (SCMS) recruits, trains and supports volunteers so they can provide a range of activities for children and young people aged eight to 19.

The children are said to be at risk of truanting, exclusion from school as well as offending and antisocial behaviour.

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Many of these youngsters have conditions including ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or Asperger’s Syndrome or other vulnerabilities.

Sheffield children as young as eight who are said to be at risk of truancy or exclusion are being supported by a mentoring service which is now in its third year. Picture by PA Wire/PA ImagesSheffield children as young as eight who are said to be at risk of truancy or exclusion are being supported by a mentoring service which is now in its third year. Picture by PA Wire/PA Images
Sheffield children as young as eight who are said to be at risk of truancy or exclusion are being supported by a mentoring service which is now in its third year. Picture by PA Wire/PA Images

The SCMS service has now been successfully running in the city for three years, and is set to continue with funding of £245,500 that has been set aside for the service.

Jane Beatson, commissioning officer at Sheffield Council, says in a report: “The mentoring service had a difficult start but following improvement work, an audit confirmed that the service had made good and sustainable improvements.

“The focus has targeted those at risk of exclusion or with persistently poor attendance or behaviour in school through a mixture of group work and 1-2-1 mentoring and activities.

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“The number of volunteers and ongoing recruitment has been steady over the course of the last year and the offer to students has increased. These are children and families who require extra support to meet their needs.”

The mentors link in with youth and homework clubs to offer activities at key times after school and during the holidays.

Related topics:SheffieldSheffield CouncilADHD