Our SEND and PRU Programme

Outline of the programme

Session 1: Communication skills and growth mindset

o Identifying students' strengths and skills and skills

o Identifying areas students want to develop further

o Identifying their ambitions, big life dreams and goals

o Identifying what qualities they value in friendship (helping them with positive life choices)

o Teaching them how first impressions work and how they can influence this

o Fun teamwork exercise to end - building towers - key learning around planning, communication and teamwork skills

Session 2: Budgeting: focused on how to build, look after and manage a budget.

Session 3: Budgeting continued and the wider financial context: using a budgeting 'game' with play money we consolidate learning from session 2. And introduce entrepreneurialism (how to make money from our strengths including making things/baking/art etc), taxation, minimum wage and credit ratings.

Session 4: Credit cards, debit cards, scams and gambling: this will be focused on credit cards, debit cards and debt awareness, alongside developing an understanding and awareness of scams and gambling products.

Feedback from Key Stakeholders
- Students

Students have been thoroughly enjoying the WizeUp programme. Any external guest joining the session could easily observe that the students are highly engaged and enthusiastic, actively participating by expressing their views, demonstrating their understanding of the topic being discussed, and sharing relevant experiences.

Educators' Perspectives on Student Progress

Teachers and support staff are excited and pleased about this year’s launch of an educational programme solely dedicated to SEND students.

A school He and Career Adviser said:

‘The WIZEUP sessions delivered in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation have been thoughtfully executed, demonstrating care and respect for the students' strengths and challenges. The facilitator has consistently used non-judgmental language to create an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging active participation and meaningful contributions from the students which included physical tasks as well as verbal contributions.

I found the content of the sessions both engaging and informative. Notably, the students have responded very positively to Laura’s approach, frequently asking when the next session will take place, which reflects their enthusiasm and connection to the program and the learning they have participated.’

Laura Flynn, Wize Up Facilitator said:

"It has been absolutely wonderful for WizeUp Financial Education to be able to deliver three training sessions for Capital City College as part of their SEND provision. The students have been so engaged in the workshops and have participated fully with all aspects of the lessons. They are curious and determined learners, willing to develop their skills and work hard either individually or in teams to problem-solve during session. It has been clear to me that the College is determined to provide them with outstanding support and this is reflected not only in the academic engagement I have seen but also in how happy the students are. They are encouraging and supportive of each other. Often breaking into spontaneous rounds of applause when one of them either answers a question correctly or attempts to answer a question. A happy environment is conducive to the best learning and it is clear that the College provides both to its SEND community of students. I look forward to returning next year".

Challenges and Lessons Learned

This year, the WizeUp programme was scheduled outside of timetabled hours. However, due to constraints affecting the transport service provided by Islington Council, the Careers and Curriculum teams have agreed to organise the programme again next year during timetabled hours. This adjustment will enable a higher number of students to benefit from this educational initiative.

For more information please contact or SEND & PRU lead Laura at laura.flynn@wizeupfinancialeducation.co.uk

WFE SEND/PRU programmes - feedback from students & teachers

Students at Newham College

"We were not looking forward to the session at first, we thought it was going to be boring just talking about Maths and 'financial stuff ', but it was better than we expected. Laura was excellent, we liked how she communicated with us and she had good body language (good eye contact). We are looking forward to the next session and we're happy for Laura to come back after half term and continue with the training"

Staff at Newham College

I just wanted to express my appreciation for setting up these sessions. We've received overwhelmingly positive feedback from learners, many of whom found the experience truly valuable and enjoyable.

The session at the hospital was particularly special, staff noticed that learners who are usually shy felt comfortable speaking up and sharing their thoughts, which was wonderful to see.

Would you be able to share this with Laura as well?

Staff at Bromley Beacon Academy

Dear Laura,

WOW!!

Thank you so much for coming along to deliver the session this morning. The students really responded well to you and paid attention for the whole session. Our students can be challenging but you were so engaging and kept the pace moving so that they all really enjoyed the morning. You are a natural.

I loved that they all took the time to say thank you and goodbye as they left for breaktime!

It was lovely to meet you.

Thank you again,

Staff at Little Heath School

Hi Laura,

Thank you for your work with our class. They were engaged and enjoyed your lessons and learnt a lot about budgeting and finance. You really go them thinking and talking about money which was a great help and will stand them in good stead for their future.

Staff at Harlow Fields

Hello Laura,

Thank you for such a great learning course for our students. I really enjoyed how you split the groups this year and targeted exactly what the students need in terms of learning about money.

In Hawk our students have been talking about your teaching and about the importance of money and saving. Whilst in Eagle, we have had discussions taking place about using debit cards correctly instead of cash.

The learning was active, you were very engaging, and you built rapports with the students in such a short time. Overall feedback from the LSA's has been very positive. The planning up to the delivery has been well thought out, you met with me prior to your session to discuss key outcomes and how best to deliver to our students.

Thank you again and we would love to have you back again.

Many thanks

Staff at Meadow High School

Laura's sessions at Wize-up have been both informative and engaging. Even students who typically take longer to engage have benefited greatly, gaining valuable skills and knowledge that support their independence. Laura is exceptionally skilled at working with a diverse group of students, always finding creative ways to encourage participation. She demonstrates patience and adaptability, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of individual students. The experience has been incredibly valuable, and we would love to continue working with Laura and WizeUp in the future.