James joined Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza to visit Open Road charity in King's Lynn that aims to improve the lives of youngsters .
Dame Rachel de Souza was given a tour of Open Road West Norfolk’s base in King’s Lynn and spoke to students and staff about how they have benefitted from the facility.
Open Road provides a modern and well-equipped automotive and construction training venue that offers alternative education for young people in the district, many of whom have struggled to settle in mainstream education. It is supported by the Swan Youth Project, a Downham-Market based organisation that facilitates the growth and development of young people by supporting those with a wide array of issues.
Dame Rachel said:
“It was a real pleasure to visit and to meet with the young people who have benefitted from access to vocational training and education,” said Dame Rachel, a former head of the Inspiration Trust, a Norwich-based chain of 14 schools that King Edward VII (KES) Academy joined last year.
“Children told me in The Big Ask, the largest-ever survey of children, that their top priority for the future was getting a good job or career. They also spoke about the importance of vocational education, which is why organisations like Open Road are so important. My ambition is for a cradle-to-career approach to education that also includes a stronger focus on vocational options and better careers education, as well as access to apprenticeships and vocational career routes".
James said:
“Open Road plays a vital role in giving young people in West Norfolk alternative opportunities to learn and develop practical mechanic and construction skills, It is making a real difference and it was impressive to hear directly from the young people about how they were motivated and enjoyed attending and about their plans for the future.”
James Bagge, chair of the Swan Project and patron of both organisations, added:
“Dame Rachel’s welcome visit enables us to shine a light on two beacons of hope for those young people in West Norfolk who are in need of additional support.
“As alternative providers we are looking to work more closely with educational establishments in the area. We strive to ensure that these young people who find school difficult get the help and support they need to maximise the benefits they can derive from an education and enhance their career chances in life after school. The critical work Open Road and the Swan Youth Project undertake was wholeheartedly recognised by Dame Rachel who promised us support in our endeavours going forward.”
