What is Playing For Success?                    

Playing for Success is an out of school programme for pupils aged 9-14 years. The programme focuses on raising standards in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT skills, using the environment of cricket as a curriculum resource and motivational tool.

How long has the scheme been running?

Playing for Success has been running since 1997 in other sporting venues. Existing programmes are monitored closely by the DfES and have proved very successful in terms of raising achievement and motivating children. The Steelbacks study centre has been running PFS sessions on part time basis since 2002, with a full timetable since January 2008.

How long will pupils attend?

Pupils will attend once a week for 3 hours for 6 weeks. Sessions run from 3.15pm-6.15pm.

How are children selected to attend Playing for Success?

Schools select the children based on criteria provided by Playing for Success. Children must be willing to commit themselves to attending the full programme to ensure that places aren’t wasted. The Centre Manager will meet pupils prior to starting to explain what they will be doing during the sessions.

What are the aims of Playing for Success?           

• To enhance achievement at KS2 and KS3 for targeted pupils in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT
• To improve confidence and motivation of pupils
• To develop/enhance study skills

What facilities does the Steelback Study Centre have?

The Steelbacks Study Centre is a newly refurbished state of the art centre, which was opened in April 2009 by ex-Northants and England cricketer Allan Lamb. It is a light and airy space. decorated in colours selected by children from our partner schools. There are three very distinct teaching spaces, the first being a conservatory area at the front of the bulding. Then there are 2 more formal classrooms, one fully equipped for use as an It suite with our 15 Apple IMac computers. this is supported by a surround sound system and a LCD television. In addition we have use of the old bowling green, immediately in front of the centre and access to the ground and most of its facilities.We also provide a small healthy snack and drink during the sessions, but this should not replace any meal.

Who is the Study Centre staffed by?

The Study Centre and its programmes are managed by a centre manager(an experienced teacher) who is supported by a co-ordinator. We also have several mentors who help out in the sessions. All staff are carefully selected and police checked.

What will pupils do at Playing for Success?

Children will undertake a variety of activities based around the theme of cricket. Key focus will include Literacy, Numeracy and ICT skills, team/confidence building activities and study skills. Children will be supported at all times and encouraged to create a folder of work which they will be able to bring home at the end of the term.

How will children get to the Study Centre?

Children will be transported to and from school by coach/mini bus arranged through Cunningham Coaches. There will be a coach escort at all times to ensure the safety of the children. However, the LEA and Study Centre cannot accept any responsibilty for a child’s welfare either prior to collection or at the drop off point.

It is imperative that if you change transport arrangements you notify the Centre Manager. Please make sure you are there to collect your child at the agreed times at either the centre or the school drop off as this may result in the bus being delayed to drop off and pick up other pupils.

Does Playing for Success run during the school holiday?

Please note that Playing for Success does not currently run over the school holidays.

What are the rewards and celebrations?

In addition to having a fantastic opportunity to learn at a cricket club, children can earn points for their team during each session. The team with the most points at the end of the term will collect a reward. There are also cricket coaching sessions run at the end of the term for those with good attendance, this is on an invite only basis. Finally pupils, parents, carers and school staff can attend the Presentation evening held at the end of their course. Children will be presented with a certificate and a small prize to take home. The Centre operates a very positive  and supportive approach to learning where achievement is actively encouraged.