Services for Children & Families

Group Activity Programme (GAP)

West Wing,
Brookhayes,
Pilton Lane,
Exeter
EX1 3RA

Tel: 01392 460268  

Coordinators: Louise Jenkinson, John Hartshorn, Clare Gilpin and Jane Linn

What is the GAP Project?

Devon County Council Children and Young People Services Staff work with young people in groups or individually as needs dictate. We have an integrated team approach, which allows staff to be deployed according to the needs of young people.

The aims of the Project.

The GAP project aims to:

• provide short-term support for young people who are either currently excluded from full-time education or who are experiencing an unavoidable break in their education.
• actively involve young people in a programme of structured activities to enable them to return successfully to full- time education.
• support young people in their homes.
• raise young people's self-esteem and build up their confidence through their personal achievements.
• stimulate young people's interests and enhance their motivation

What do we offer?

Social Skills

The social skills programme is the foundation for the GAP Project. Its key purpose is to provide individual programmes of support which involve young people in making positive decisions about their behaviour.

Our Retracking programme develops young people's awareness and understanding of their personal difficulties. It also provides them with an opportunity to develop appropriate problem-solving skills, so raising their self-esteem and confidence through their achievements.

The programme includes: General Studies, Life Skills, Computer Studies, Music, Arts & Crafts, Sport

So. when do we run?

Young people will attend the project for between three and five half-day sessions a week. Times of sessions are:

• Morning: 9.30 am – 11.45 am.
• Afternoon: 12.45 pm – 3.00 pm.

The referral process

Referrals are dealt with on Mondays and Thursdays. Please contact Louise Jenkinson on 01392.460268 to discuss any young person who you feel may benefit from the GAP Project. Please ensure you have discussed the possibility of the young person attending the Project, with appropriate Education personnel.

Reviewing Progress

After an initial period of assessment, an individual education plan is compiled for the young person – this is reviewed on a monthly basis.

There will be an internal review of the placement after three months and after a maximum of six months, we will expect the young person to move on to a permanent educational placement.