Teens and Toddlers

@Inga Simaite-Islam Dear Igna, Thank you for your question. We recognise the inherent risks involved in putting teenagers, who often have complex needs of their own, in a position of responsibility with a younger child, and take the safeguarding of toddlers on our projects extremely seriously. We work with schools to ensure that the young people who take part in the project do not have any history of behaviour that would make them unsuitable to work with young children. At the start of every project, our trained facilitators spend at least the first two weeks getting the teens ‘nursery ready’. This involves training in working with a younger child, being a role model and tips for engaging and communicating with them effectively. It also includes in depth discussions around safeguarding the toddler, correct procedures, understanding what do if they have a concern about anything. After these first two sessions are complete, the facilitator will assess the group and decide if they need more time or support, and, if they do, the facilitator will hold them back from nursery sessions until they are confident that the group are ready. Teens receive continued training and feedback throughout the project, to support them in effectively engaging their mentee and helping them get the most from the programme. We hold a check-in before each session to ascertain what frame of mind the teens are in. If we have any concerns, we will keep that young person out of the nursery and continue working with them for their classroom session. On the programme, teens are always supervised by two members of the Power2 team and so are never left alone during the programme. Nursery staff are also always present during sessions, providing additional supervision. I hope this answers your question but please do let me know if you have any further questions and I would be happy to help. Best wishes Lisa Marucci Power2