When mainstream schools aren’t able to support the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in our society, Pupil Referral Units like the Levett School in Doncaster step in to provide bespoke education, care and support for those who are at risk of being, or have been permanently excluded.
Mandy Goddard is a parent of one of the Levett School’s former pupils and has since become a teaching assistant at the Levett School.
“I quit my job in finance whilst my son was awaiting an autism diagnosis. He wasn’t getting the support he needed in mainstream school, so I studied for my English degree in order to become a teacher, as at the time I felt that homeschooling was going to be my only option. Fortunately, a place at the Levett School became available, and our son thrived there. Whilst he was there, I volunteered as a teaching assistant – but I was soon offered a permanent role when I completed my degree, so I decided to stay on and continue making a difference with other vulnerable children in Doncaster.”
Children come to us from all over the borough. Doncaster is an old mining town and has a strong community of families who have traditionally gone straight from school into industrial jobs. As a result, education isn’t always seen as the means to a brighter future.
"Families can also feel ‘battered and bruised’ by their experience of dealing with schools when they have a child who doesn’t fit the mainstream mould, so they sometimes arrive at us with their armour on. It’s our job to break down these barriers, to get to the heart of that child and family, giving them the education they deserve, and that works for them. We work to engage the parents and show them the positive impact that our school can have on their child’s life.”
Whilst the staff at the Levett School work extremely hard to provide individual support for their pupils, Mandy found that the library was left lacking.
We’d beg, borrow and steal from anywhere and everywhere to get decent resources for the library. After asking around different communities, I was pointed in the direction of the National Literacy Trust in Doncaster, where I immediately signed up to become a Literacy Champion.
The National Literacy Trust in Doncaster has a home in Mexborough Business Centre, fondly named The Literacy Lab, where they store books, host workshops and author visits, and provide drop-in sessions for Literacy Champions like Mandy to come and browse for books which will support their work.
“I love having a look in the Literacy Lab, I can picture which kids will enjoy which books, and how we can help inspire them to take it home and start a conversation with their parents. I find inspiration in everything, from song lyrics to tv programmes. Sometimes a book can be a barrier to those who don’t identify as a “reader.”
One child I worked with discovered his enjoyment of reading through a love of cheese! Each week, we’d read up on a new type of cheese, and I’d get some for us to share and talk about. I’d look for books which related to the places the cheese had been made, and by the time our sessions were over, his mum sent us a little cheese hamper – we’d come full circle and engaged her, too.”
A huge part of helping children develop those important literacy skills involves getting parents on board, something which Mandy is conscious of. “I’ll often pick up books for the early years, as many of the children we work with weren’t read to as babies and they’re totally disengaged. However, if they’re expecting a sibling, teaching them to read the picture books to their baby brother or sister can be a great way to help them bond. One parent brought their new baby in to class, and we did a whole session together about storytelling, and it was an opportunity for mum to learn too, giving her a second chance at building those important foundations for learning.”
The National Literacy Trust in Doncaster has opened a multitude of doors for Mandy and the Levett School. From free books, author talks and visits from MPs, to new connections and fun lesson ideas, Mandy is able to tailor her support for each and every child’s unique needs.
Our bespoke intervention packages
At the National Literacy Trust, we offer four bespoke intervention packages specifically designed to support students who are at risk of exclusion or attending alternative provision. In our five years working with these students, we have developed an ‘oracy first’ strategy meaning that at the heart of our programmes is a strong support for these vital communication skills. Working with small groups to build trust and confidence, our programmes are tailored to meet the unique needs of these students, providing targeted literacy support to help them thrive academically and personally.
Game Changers harnesses the positive aspects of sports such as teamwork, respect and motivation, and is rooted in the belief that all young people have the right to the pleasure and empowerment of reading.
Represent focuses on developing students' oracy skills using interesting texts as stimulus. Focusing on resilience, wellness, building positive relationships and communication, this programme helps girls to find their voice.
Empower is a critical media literacy initiative and aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to critically engage with online media, identify misinformation and disinformation, and express themselves safely online.
Words That Count helps students understand financial terms and concepts, empowering them to make sound financial decisions and build financial resilience.
You could also donate to help us continue providing up-to-date books and resources to support children in alternative provision settings, as well as providing the community support to help children unlock the life, jobs, and opportunities they want.