Supporting local SEN school curriculum
2
The Pitch
Problem statement
Keep kids sailing. We are a 100% volunteer run charity taking those with disabilities out sailing in the safety of Poole Harbour. We want to ensure a third year for children from the local SEN school community using the RYA Sailability educational programme. The boatyard where we house our boats has increased our prices by 200% since the pandemic and we need to lock in funds to maintain continuity of these kinds of targeted initiatives. If we cannot fund these, we will have to reduce our programme and possibly our fleet size.
Solution
Every week during the school summer term (April to July), we take pupils from 2 local SEN schools sailing. We have 4 sailboats with outboard engines plus a high-powered safety boat recently donated to the charity. The funding will cover the running costs for the sessions - fuel, maintenance and any replacement protective gear for the children. All our trustees and crew members are volunteers who give freely of their time.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We have already run this programme for the last two summers and awarded entry level and Bronze level certificates to the new and returning pupils. In 2023, we had a total of 288 sailing places taken up during these sessions and there is no alternative provision for this type of educational activity in Poole harbour. We have an excellent relationship with the schools who are keen to continue sailing with us in 2024 and we enjoy great support from our governing body, the RYA.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Targeted operating costs for SEN school sessions | £2,000 |
Beneficiaries
40 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
The project will allow additional schoolchildren to gain RYA Sailability Certificates. This kind of activity helps to build confidence and to give a sense of achievement and self-worth. We receive great feedback at the awards ceremony run at the end of term
Track record
As mentioned, we filled 288 seats in the 2023 sessions and awarded certificates to all attendees at the RYA Entry or Bronze levels