ESB News Winter Edition 2022

70/70 Campaign

“ People with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed when compared with the general population ”, according to new data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics (2020).

This statement reveals the severity of the inequality that exists and which some of the most disadvantaged groups in society face.

At ESB, we want to reach these learners and help equip them with the essential life skills they need to thrive in education, training and employment, giving them the life choices and freedoms they are entitled to. With this in mind, as part of our 70/70 Campaign, we are supporting Cambridgeshire’s Riverside Meadows Academy in Saint Neots to access our qualifications.. Riverside receives a discount on fees for its speech assessments for learners with special educational needs and disabilities, as part of our commitment to closing the disadvantage gap. The centre offers a bespoke education for 110 learners from Key Stage Three to Sixth Form. It aims to provide a sense of security and belonging so that everyone feels safe, confident and able to show respect for both themselves and others in a caring environment. ESB Organiser and Head Teacher at Riverside Meadows, Sarah Anderson-Rawlins, said: “The absolute links between building confidence, communication and attainment with ESB are evident and many past learners are now leaders in their chosen professions.

Riverside learners putting on quite the show in drama!

Having both participated in and taught ESB before, it has even inspired my dissertation, focusing on the impact it has on academic attainment for boys with special educational needs and disabilities!” “We offer three ‘pathways’ for accessing our curriculum: vocational, academic and innovative and ESB neatly weaves in and out of each, complimenting learner’s academic efforts and adding needed differentiation into the curriculum. It’s a great experience for the learners!”

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