DofE for Young People with Additional Needs Richard Southworth EDUCATION, CARE &HEALTH SERVICES

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Started in 1956 Approx 300,000 people aged 14 to 25 every year Active in 120 other countries 3 Levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold Highly respected by colleges and employers Website - www.dofe.org

GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1: Non-competitive 2: Achievable by all . 3: Voluntary 4: Personal development 5: Personalised 6: Balanced 7: Progressive 8: Achievement focused 9: Demand commitment 10: Enjoyable

HOW OLD DO YOU NEED TO BE AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE Level Minimum Age you can start Minimum Length of time Length of time if you have achieved the previous level Bronze 14 (year 9) 6 months n/a Silver 15 (year 10) 12 months Gold 16 18 months You must complete whatever level you undertake by the time you are 25

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO? A PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES COMPRISING 4 SECTIONS (5 for Gold!) Volunteering -  helping someone, your community or the environment  Physical - becoming fitter through sport, dance or fitness activities Skills - developing existing talents or trying something new Expedition - planning, training for and completing an adventurous journey Residential – (Gold only) - staying and working away from home as part of a team

ADDITIONAL NEEDS PROVISION Non expedition sections accessible to all regardless of ability – goals set based on individual capability Certificates can be awarded as each section is completed Expeditions can be a barrier depending on level of participant needs and expertise of expedition provider but variations can be put in place to “relax” the expedition requirements

WHAT BROMLEY YOUTH SUPPORT CAN OFFER (1) An introduction to what the award entails Enrolment on the DofE system to register their award (edofe) Advice on choice of activities for the various sections; skill, volunteering, physical and (for Gold only) residential

WHAT BROMLEY YOUTH SUPPORT CAN OFFER (2) Advice on choosing a commercial company (Approved Activity Provider) with which to do the expedition section (note the cost of this commercial package is not included in what we are offering) Sign off of evidence as it is posted on edofe for each activity

WHAT BROMLEY YOUTH SUPPORT CAN OFFER (3) Submission of the award for final approval once all the sections have been completed An invitation to the borough presentation ceremony once the award has been approved

COST Bromley Youth Support Expedition Costs depending on AAP £70 for Bronze £70 for Silver  (£75 if you have not completed bronze prior to enrolment) £70 for Gold (£85 if you have not completed bronze or silver prior to enrolment) Note grants may be available for this depending on applicants circumstances Expedition Costs depending on AAP Non expedition section costs depending on activity

WHAT NEXT? Contact me to enrol or for further information; E-mail; richard.southworth@bromley.gov.uk

ANY QUESTIONS? richard.southworth@bromley.gov.uk