Priorities and delivery considerations

Priorities

The immediate priority of the Scheme is to increase the number of people within the target group who are reached and supported.

The target group is young people aged 4-12 years old who are:

• From a household income of less than £40,000 (and ideally less than £20,000)
• Have specific personal development needs
• Likely to benefit from drama as a tool for development

Additional considerations have been identified for the assessment of a young person. These include:

• Referral from a teacher
• Specific character descriptions e.g. shy or boisterous/difficult to concentrate
• Already showing an interest in a Perform class
• Young people from single parent families

The key outcomes are:

• The provision of drama class opportunities for young people who would otherwise not get the chance due to low family income and additional barriers to access
• The provision of a positive and inspiring space for young people to grow and develop
• The development of young people who have specific needs through the provision of drama classes that inspire, encourage and build confidence
• The provision of kinaesthetic activities that enable young people to enjoy life, improve fitness, and assist in the development of their emotional and cognitive skills

Securing sustainable funds

To enable the increase in young people benefitting from opportunities it is necessary for the Scheme to secure additional funds. Key considerations for securing funds are:

• Establish diverse funding streams that support the values of the Scheme
• Targeting funds and securing supporters that will support the priorities of the Scheme
• Encouraging long term support of the Scheme to enable a steady increase in opportunities over the next five years

Increasing awareness of the Scheme

To ensure that the Scheme targets young people most in need and within local communities across the South East, it is important that stronger links are made with local schools. Teachers of local schools where there are Perform drama classes are aware of the opportunities for young people who can pay for classes but are less aware of the opportunities for those who cannot afford to pay and have additional development needs.

To increase awareness and the referral of young people most in need and who would benefit most from drama classes, a more targeted approach to communicating with teachers will be carried out. This will be achieved by sending out letters/formal communication (current method) to speaking directly and more informally to teachers either face-to-face (by Perform Teachers) or by telephone at times when teachers are less busy and easiest to contact.

Key considerations for more effective communication include:

• Clearer articulation of target audience and the potential benefits of drama classes (for young person development)
• Record of teacher communication and referrals as a result
• Clear avenues for a teacher to link to their own assessments and support of a young person
• Specific communication channels for a teacher to discuss possible referrals

Delivery Considerations

Effective and efficient assessment process

The assessment process for applicants has been set out to ensure that the following is achieved and maintained:

Clear expectations for applicants are set out in publicity information and on the application form
Young people who would most benefit from a drama course apply
There are inbuilt mechanisms, that are not onerous to the applicant, that ensure that those with genuine need apply e.g. two teacher and/or other references are requested in an easy to fill out form
Trustees have a clear set of priorities for assessment, supported by a set of values to guide decision-making
Successful applicants are notified promptly and given opportunities to participate in the closest local facility
Successful applicants are supported throughout the drama course and their progress monitored
Successful applicants development is documented and feedback to each young person and their carer

Maximisation of young people opportunities

The number of young people given opportunities to participate in a drama course is directly related to the amount of income generated for the PBF. To maximise the number of opportunities the securing of additional income streams has been set as a priority for the Fund.

Holistic approach to young person development

Each young person has their own individual needs and areas for support. As such each young person is worked with on a personalised basis, with the Perform teachers identifying and supporting a young person in the best way for their development. The professional and personalised approach of Perform teachers is a organisational strength and carefully quality assured element of Perform delivery (and a frequently identified key reason for paid participation in drama classes).

Sustainable delivery for continued increase in opportunities for the long term

It is the aim of the PBF to continually increase the number of opportunities for young people through securing funds from multiple funding streams. In practice this means the PBF are constantly identifying and building relationships with individuals and organisations who understand and are able to support the aims of the Fund. A fundraiser with a good understanding of the aims and vales of the PBF will be recruited for ongoing committed time to securing funds on a commissioned basis.