Climbing High

The Pitch

Problem statement

Children at Ashwood Spencer Academy are located within the top 4% most deprived neighbourhoods in the UK (2019 Indices of Multiple Deprivation). Transport and cost are major barriers preventing participation and development of lifelong interests outside of the main school hours. With 41 different languages spoken by pupils, parents/carers can struggle to access services.Teach First has shown a direct link between poverty and lack of educational and future employment opportunities.This activity will enable a minimum of 66 new pupils to learn about a new activity, with school transport, and climbing lessons all helping to develop interests and enhance wellbeing, inside and outside of school.

Solution

Climbing offers mental and physical health benefits. NHS inform website states climbing improves stamina in the body, builds confidence/self esteem and improves problem solving all supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. 6 weekly climbing sessions would be delivered at the local Alter Rock Climbing Centre, Derby with up to 11 attendees per session, transported in the school’s minibus and accompanied by staff. Alter Rock runs courses/sessions recognised by the British Mountaineering Council. Funding would cover skills training by the instructors and all climbing equipment. Children would develop team building skills and new coping strategies.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

During this economic crisis Ashwood Spencer Academy has become a focal point for the local community, helping parents/carers to support their child’s wellbeing outside of school hours. The experienced staff accompanying the children have the training and in-depth knowledge to assist the development of each participant. In October 2022 the school achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status award and in November 2020 the School was awarded the Mental Health Award: Bronze by Leeds Beckett University. This activity would comply with the school’s safeguarding requirements and would be coordinated by the school's sports coaches under the guidance of the Head Teacher.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

66 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

We have already consulted with parents/carers and have 40 interested pupils so we anticipate that all those expressing interest will have the opportunity to attend at least one session. Where attendees want to attend more than 1 session, we will encourage this to enable further development of skills.We have formulated the following impact statements: 100% of attendees will have improved their climbing skills and understand how to climb safely.90% of attendees will feel more confident after the session.90% of attendees will feel more positive after the session.85% of attendees will feel part of a team.This data will be collected using a variety of methods - direct feedback from attendees using smiley faces/show of hands and pupils comments. In addition the sports coach and staff will observe the attendees as well as obtaining feedback from Alter Rock staff.We will seek parents/carers consent to use photographs to promote the benefits of climbing to other pupils.

Track record

Ashwood have been successful in gaining ‘Elklan Communication Friendly Status’. This is awarded to schools that have trained and supported their staff in communication and language development. This supports our work by encouraging out of school activities with parents/carers. Ashwood Primary School currently runs an active and successful after-school programme with activities such as lego, dance and martial arts as well as more traditional phonics/numbers and writing clubs. The school has the expertise to coordinate well-organised sessions with 3 existing sports coaches. The school has run pilot climbing sessions to gauge interest. These have been extremely popular but funding is required to ensure all interested children can participate.

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