Playing for Success Sheffield

Parents Frequently Asked Questions

What is Playing for Success and study support?
Playing for Success is a national initiative launched 10 years ago by the government and sports clubs. The main aim was to help young people regain their interest in learning, as well as boost their skills. Today the initiative has over 150 centres all over the country offering young people the chance to learn in an exciting environment that's not like school.

Why has my child been chosen?
Your child may have been chosen for a variety of reasons. It may be because they are being rewarded for consistent good behaviour and effort. It may be that the teacher or school has identified a group of children that would benefit from extra help in a specific area such as problem solving in maths. It may be because your child shows a particular strength or the teacher thinks they will benefit from working with different adults. If you feel you need extra information, please discuss this with your child's' teacher.

When do they go to the centre?
There are several options firstly; your child will attend the centre once a week for either 6 or 9 weeks. This will be decided by your child's school.
Next, if your child attends a 6 week programme they will attend the centre for 3 hours with the session starting between 2.30 and 3.30pm.
If your child is attending a 9 week course they will attend the centre for 2 hours each week. If your child attends a primary school they will usually come to the centre 3.30 - 5.30pm and if your child is a secondary school pupil they will attend 5.30 - 7.30pm. (Please note these times are not fixed and may be altered slightly by the school or centre.)

How do the children get there?
Our mini bus service picks the children up from school at a designated time and will return them there after the session ends. We provide an escort on the bus journey in addition to our drivers. (As with all PFS staff the driver and escort are CRB checked)

Who will deliver the programme?
As a general rule there will be two members of staff at the sessions, the tutor who is a qualified teacher and a learner support officer. Additionally there may be other members of the team at sessions and one or more of our volunteer mentors who come from the local area to volunteer at the centre. Everyone working at the centre has had a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

How are the sports clubs involved?
The sports clubs provide a classroom area in an exciting location, an environment where challenge and achievement are valued and access to the players and good role models for the pupils. Playing for Success is not sports coaching.

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