Gateways 2021/2022 Annual Review

King Charles III visiting the Gateways programme in December 2022

Welcome To Gateways

As JW3’s Gateways programme enters its ninth year, I am pleased to report on all of our successes throughout 2021/22.

The impact of the pandemic has resulted in an exponential growth in demand for our services with a record number of referrals. This upsurge reaffirms how vital our service has become to the community.

At Gateways, we recognise that every young person is on their own individual journey. Some sail smoothly through, whilst others need support to navigate and negotiate the obstacles.

I am so proud of our record of successes during the last year, whether it be transitioning back into the building after lockdown, exam results, launching our mentoring provision with ORT UK, or delivering more courses and support sessions.

These successes have enabled our students to rebuild their self-esteem, achieve their academic potential and move onto the next phase in their journey, whether it be further education, apprenticeships or employment.

None of this could have been achieved without the JW3 Gateways core team and teaching staff who go above and beyond to help each one of our students reach their goals.

With Gateways having firmly established itself as the community’s go-to for alternative education, we look forward to another successful year ahead supporting even more young people in need.

Laurence Field JW3 Gateways Director

The Gateways Programme

Every young person should have the same opportunity to progress and thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. A growing number of young people struggle to function within mainstream education. Many believe that there is no other option available to them. JW3’s Gateways programme provides a viable alternative.

Who we are

JW3’s Gateways is the only provision of its kind within the Jewish community. We are an educational and vocational provision that supports vulnerable young people and those experiencing mental health challenges.

What we do

We deliver a range of bespoke academic and vocational courses alongside therapy, career coaching, work readiness and pastoral support within a nurturing, safe and positive environment.

Who

we support 14 – 17 year olds who are struggling to exist both in and out of mainstream education. 18 – 25 year olds who have been disengaged from education and are striving to overcome emotional, social and academic challenges to help them gain key skills and qualifications to enable them to progress in their lives.

Location Gateways is a project of JW3, based in its Jewish Community Centre in NW London. Students enjoy state of the art facilities including a demonstration kitchen, a fitness studio, top of the range computer equipment, a modern work environment and access to an on-site kosher café.

“Thank you for all that you do for our students. We are so lucky to have such an amazing resource in the community.”

Hasmonean School

Meet the Team

Our tutors and mentors are fundamental to the successful outcome of the programme.

Laurence Field Director, JW3 Gateways

Before founding Gateways, Laurence was Youth and Community Director at the London Jewish Cultural Centre. He is currently a representative on the Children Youth Involvement & Participation Strategy Group for Barnet Children’s Services, the JW3 safeguarding lead, and an advisory member for the JLC Community Wellbeing Task Force group.

Sarah Mendelsohn Head of Pastoral Care

As a professional counsellor, Sarah has worked extensively with young people for over twenty-five years. With her deep knowledge of the Jewish community, she brings passion in working to help those in need to build strong emotional foundations for their future lives.

Louise Davis

Head of Education

Louise brings a wealth of experience to her role as JW3’s Head of Gateways Education. She has over two decades of experience in the education sector, including roles such as Economics Teacher at North London Collegiate School, Head of Faculty at Yavneh College, and Deputy Head of King Solomon High School.

Vanessa Livingstone Administrator

Having previously worked as a Nursery School Deputy Manager, an Office Manager of a law firm and in PR capacity for Norwood, Vanessa is passionate about the welfare of children and is excited to help this dynamic programme run smoothly.

Samantha Blendis SENCO

Samantha is a primary school teacher who has been a SENCO for over 20 years, working in mainstream primary schools, a special secondary school and for the Behaviour Support Team in Haringey.

Gateways at a Glance

JW3’s Gateways programme supports over 50 students aged between 14 and 25 every week. These young people are striving to overcome emotional and social challenges that prevent them from accessing mainstream education.

Over the last nine years, JW3 has supported over 600 students and has run over 31,000 Gateways sessions.

230

Students served each year

Gateways student receiving his maths GCSE certificate

Impact of the Pandemic

25%

increase of school refusers from mainstream schools

56%

Rise in student referrals compared to pre Covid numbers

The impact of the pandemic has been seismic. The extended periods of lockdown have resulted in an exponential growth in demand for our services.

All those students who were previously suffering from mental health challenges before the pandemic saw their issues exacerbated by lockdown. We have observed a rise in students’ stress, anxiety, fear, loneliness and depression, as well as a drop in self-esteem and confidence. The team has responded with an intensive effort to ensure that every student, along with their family, has had ample support and guidance.

“Since I started on the Gateways programme, I am so much happier and my lost confidence is beginning to restore”

Gateways student

The huge rise in demand for places...

... has caused a widening funding gap.

which is growing on a daily basis

A waiting list increase of 30% Referring schools and organisations grown by 35%

Education

Review

Small groups and one-to-one classes enable students to progress academically, monitored through regular progress reports, whilst being nurtured in a safe space.

During the pandemic our classes were delivered wholly online. This has continued for those students who are unable to attend JW3 and has meant that our reach has increased to a wider number of young people who need our support. In 2020-21 we delivered 3,240 online lessons.

We returned to face to face lessons in April 2021. We expect to run 4,608 sessions by the end of the academic year.

We offer a wide range of courses and, as an exam centre, can offer our students the opportunity to sit exams in a small, less overwhelming environment. Of course, learning isn’t all about examinations and we offer a variety of life skill classes and other opportunities that are not defined by graded results.

“My daughter gained much confidence through Gateways and has been able to sit several exams and obtain excellent results. We are so grateful for Gateways and consider them an essential asset to our community”

Gateways parent

Gateways has an individualised approach to education. Each student has their own programme, built around their needs.

Pastoral Report

Pastoral care at Gateways has always been a vital part of the programme. The premise of the Gateways programme is that young people can achieve their potential, given the right opportunities and full emotional support. For most of our students it is the reason they thrive at Gateways. Every student is supported according to their individual needs whether that be informal counselling; a chat and a coffee together; encouragement to engage in a task they never believed they could manage or accomplish; or simply being heard. Giving students time and patience builds trusting relationships and lets them know we care.

For staff working in

This is in line with the vast majority of staff working in UK schools. 95% have witnessed increased levels of pupil anxiety since the start of the school year, according to new research published by Place2Be and NAHT.

56 %

Since Covid began we observed a surge in students’ anxiety. This has continued through 2021/22 and indeed exacerbated with the uncertainty that rests with any unknown situation.

secondary schools: increase in eating difficulties

61 % 72 %

increase in self harm increase in suicidal thoughts

Alongside Gateways’ support for every student, we have also ‘delivered’ the following: 200 young people have been supported by Gateways through informal counselling.

In 2021/22 JW3

220 psychotherapy

sessions provided to students in 2021.

“Gateways was a lifesaver for our family since my daughter could no longer attend high school due to severe anxiety. Through Gateways she was able to continue her studies, and, at the same time have her mental health cared for.

You went out your way to find ways to cater for my child’s needs and suggest ways to make it easier, as well as showing concern for us as a family and checking how we were doing frequently”

Gateways parent

piloted a Gateways Mentoring programme in conjunction with ORT which has been highly successful in helping students build confidence and skills.

Gateways’ Next Steps

the last eighteen

Over

months, we have witnessed an epidemic of vulnerable young people within the community struggling to function within mainstream education. We have seen an emerging pattern of need, including:

1. A growing number of school refusers. 2. A growing number of students in school suffering from anxiety.

3. Requests from schools for Gateways to provide a curriculum wider than the Gateways current offering.

To meet this demand and to ensure that new, more complex needs of the community’s young people are effectively met, JW3’s leadership team and trustees have decided that Gateways should now begin to take the next step on its journey and graduate out of JW3 to become a wholly independent organisation. This will include transitioning out of JW3’s Jewish Community Centre and into its own premises.

The Gateways team is looking forward to developing a new welcoming home, building on its current curriculum and expanding its support services, to help even more young people to thrive, irrespective of their background or situation. The new charity aims to launch in September 2023.

Rest assured, this move will have no impact on current students, in particular those enrolled in the 2022/23 academic year.

4.

demand for career

Aims:

1 2 3 4

To re-engage young people in education through innovative and creative learning methods, promoting lifelong learning.

To provide high quality personalised education and therapeutic support.

To enable each young person to become the best they can be.

To support and nurture young people as they prepare to enter further education or employment.

“So many of our students have flourished on your programme. Thank you so much. This is a provision that the community desperately needs”

Yavneh College

The Gateways Curriculum

Gateways provides an engaging and aspirational curriculum which takes into account students’ previous education. Our aim is to equip all students with the skills, knowledge and experience they will need to progress to the next stage of their education.

Gateways delivers to all levels of learning from Entry Level, Functional Skills and BTECs to GCSE and A Levels. All courses are carefully tailored to meet the students’ varied needs and strengths, and are centred on their interests to maximise engagement.

Courses are led by qualified and experienced staff who can make learning both accessible and challenging. The majority of courses are accredited to maximise students’ chances to flourish within and beyond their education.

JW3 is a registered exam centre enabling all students to sit their formal examinations within the building.

Gateways Courses Academic

Our academic courses prepare students for the next stage in their learning, be it college, university or an apprenticeship. These subjects are taught in personalised one-toone sessions designed to meet the specific needs of the student.

Combined Science GCSE

Length of course: 2 years*

*depending on ability and readiness

Qualifications: GCSE

Assessment: Exam

There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic area.

The Science trilogy is interesting and relevant to all types of students. The biology, chemistry and physics content is delivered through exciting, interactive sessions including virtual reality headsets.

Combined Science trilogy gives students the option to progress to A-levels in science or other subjects.

Sponsored by Jewish Child’s Day.

Mathematics

Length of Course: 1- 2 years, depending on ability and readiness

Qualifications: Entry level, Functional Skills, GCSE & A level

Assessment: All Maths courses are assessed through formal examinations.

The curriculum is planned towards sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning and employment. The Mathematics team are passionate about enabling all students with mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding.

English

Length of course: 1- 2 years* *depending on ability and readiness

Qualifications: Literacy foundation, Entry level, Functional Skills & GCSE Language and Literature

Assessment: All English courses are assessed through formal examinations.

All English classes strive to include and engage every student by making the curriculum engaging, relevant and dynamic.

At Key Stage 4, all students follow the AQA Functional Skills, GCSE English Language and English Literature specifications.

The GCSE course covers Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing and a Spoken Language unit. Students study a range of literary texts, both contemporary and from the literary heritage.

Gateways Courses

Vocational

Students have an opportunity to choose from a range of vocational subjects, providing them with a practical introduction to a specific employment sector that allows them to gain qualifications in areas of interest. All vocational courses are taught by industry professionals. Groups are deliberately kept very small in order to meet the needs of every student.

BTEC level 1 Introductory Award in Sport

Length of course: 1 year

Qualification: BTEC Award

Assessment: Coursework

What does the qualification cover?

■ The BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award in Sport is designed around practical skills and tasks focusing on fitness skills rather than the theory of sport.

■ The course is made up of two components, both of which are teacher assessed projects.

■ Creation of a career progression plan to work out a pathway for a career

■ Planning and running a training fitness session. For this students will also engage in a personal fitness training programme which improves their own fitness level.

Introduction to photography

Length of course: between 1-3 terms

What does the qualification cover?

Our expert-led photography classes gives the students the skills they need to understand the basics of photography, covering beginner techniques to help them learn a variety of photographic techniques.

Home Cooking Skills

Length of course: 1 year

Qualification: Level 2 BTEC Assessment: Coursework

What does the qualification cover?

This qualification aims to give learners the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy cooking meals at home and progress onto the next level of training. Students gain understanding of how to economise when planning meals and are encouraged to transfer skills learnt to other recipes to continue cooking for themselves and their families and to inspire others by passing on their knowledge. The unit is based on the proposition that being able to cook is an essential life skill which empowers students to make changes that have benefits to health and wellbeing.

Our teacher is sensitive to the kosher dietary practices of our learners and also suggests alternatives to meat and fish in the recipes which will enable learners to develop their cooking skills.

Hair and Beauty

Length of course: 2 years

Qualification: VTCT VRQ level 2 Extended Certificate in Hair and Beauty Skills

Assessment: All assessments are based on portfolios and practical tasks

What does the qualification cover?

Learners develop hair and beauty skills, techniques and knowledge, which prepares students to progress to the next level of vocational learning. All the units in this qualification directly prepare learners for further study in the hair and beauty sector. The course is made up of one mandatory unit and five optional units some of which are indicated below. The current units that Gateways students are covering are listed below.

Gateways Alumnus

Simon Silver recently graduated from the Gateways programme.

Simon entered Gateways with no qualifications and little hope for the future. Simon thrived on the programme and successfully passed his Maths and English GCSE exams as well as gaining a Merit in his BTEC Business and Enterprise course. These qualifications have enabled him to progress onto higher education. In discussion with the Gateways Director, Simon shared his thoughts on his time at Gateways.

* To protect our student’s identity, we have not used this student’s real name.

What brought you onto the programme?

I suffer from anxiety and have selfharmed in the past which prevented me from attending a mainstream school. I found it very overwhelming and ended up missing out on most of the school year.

What courses did you take?

I took English and Maths GCSE, Business Enterprise BTEC and career coaching sessions.

What support did you receive?

The support I received from the staff at Gateways was phenomenal. I could go to them at any time. They have an open door policy so I could always pop in after my lessons and speak to the team. They also helped me with guidance on next steps after I left the programme. It’s the first time I had received that type of support before.

What was different about Gateways than other schools?

The main difference is that I could be myself and was never put under any pressure. I also made friends and felt that I belonged. For the first time, I felt that I wasn’t being judged.

What skills have you learned from your time at Gateways?

I gained my GCSE qualifications and a BTEC award. I also gained confidence which has helped me enormously.

How have your teachers made a difference to you?

My teachers were the best. They really supported me and never judged me when I was having a bad day. They listened to me and worked the lessons around my interests which I loved. I will miss them all so much but hope to keep in touch.

A Parent’s View

It is often difficult to express the impact Gateways has had on the lives of our students. Gateways parent, Lisa Joseph, shares her thoughts on her daughter’s time on the programme.

Elinor joined Gateways at a time where she was in desperate need of support. At age 13, she had been unable to attend school full-time for eight months due to severe anxiety. The school was not able to support her remotely and the stress of pressure from the school to attend only worsened her mental health and her fear of falling behind educationally.

When we applied to Gateways, Elinor was not just accepted but warmly welcomed. At Gateways, her mental health came first. The staff went to great lengths to be able to provide an education for her, whilst catering for her needs. Elinor often had unusual, changeable needs, but every time they were met with care and compassion.

Her needs now catered for, Elinor was able to commit to her education. With Gateways providing Maths and English lessons, we felt confident enough to deregister Elinor from her school and continue the rest of her education from home. Gateways paired her with teachers on a 1:1 basis. When she struggled with GCSE standards, Gateways suggested and facilitated her completing Functional Skills courses instead. This gave Elinor a huge confidence boost and allowed her to return to GCSE level after passing her Functional Skills.

There were times when Elinor felt too anxious to attend her lessons –sometimes even when we were standing at the door with the teacher ready. However, we were never made to feel guilty about these instances but instead were met with support and reassurance.

Any exams sat were handled delicately and Elinor was given full support. She passed English Functional Skills Level 1 and 2, and Maths Functional Skills Level 2. She most recently passed her English GCSE with a grade 9 and we couldn’t have been prouder.

The staff would also frequently check up on how we were doing as a family and asked if they could support us in any other way. This extra care was much appreciated and something I never experienced from schools in the past. They suggested other classes that Elinor might enjoy and connected her with another girl of similar age to facilitate a new friendship.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, lessons moved online. Gateways kept us informed at all times and also called us to check in on how Elinor was doing. Elinor enjoyed the online lessons and chose to continue these once Gateways was able to open its doors again.

Elinor’s time with Gateways was an excellent transition between the school system and becoming a confident, motivated self-learner. She is on course to sit Maths GCSE at Gateways in Summer 2022, along with a further 2 GCSEs which she has learnt at home and will sit at a different centre. I have no doubt, that in our case, Gateways prevented a mental health crisis and was the reason for Elinor being a much happier and more fulfilled student than ever before.

With Thanks

JW3 would like to express its thanks to the following trusts and foundations for their generous support over the past year:

The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation Jewish Childs Day

KC Shasha Charitable Foundation

Finnart House School Trust

The Rayne Foundation

Speech, Language and Hearing Foundation

The Jack Livingstone Charitable Trust M & C Trust

Childwick Trust

Bertie Black Foundation

The Ralph Levy Charitable Company Shoresh Charitable Trust

The Goldberg Family Charitable Trust

Jeremy and Ruth Smilg

Loftus Trust

Make a difference

The programme’s viability is backed by an increasing demand for our services at a time of very high need. Our long - term survival is dependent on continued and increased funding. Without this, Gateways will be unable to continue its essential work for the community.

You can help JW3’s Gateways programme to make a real difference in the life of a young person in our community who needs a chance to succeed.

If you would like to support Gateways, please email Laurence Field at laurence@jw3.org.uk

“The fact that I have a daughter who wants to learn and is enthusiastic about her studies is simply priceless. It really is the first education provision that she has wanted to revisit.”

Gateways Parent

JW3 Trust Ltd is a registered charity, No. 1117644. JW3 Development is a registered charity, No. 1156248. JW3 Trading Ltd, registered company No. 7686352 (England and Wales), is a wholly owned subsidiary of JW3 Trust Ltd.