In the Spotlight
Keeping you up to date on what’s new
Apprenticeships take the spotlight this month!
We are delighted to be able to share some fabulous news about one of our apprentices Aimee Empson, a level 3 Adult Care worker. Aimee won apprentice of the year at the recent Thames Valley Business & Community Awards.
Apprenticeships are a great way to combine working and learning. If you’re interested in finding out more about how Activate Learning apprenticeships work, we will be running a breakfast networking event which will cover all things apprenticeships and which will be hosted at our Bracknell Campus on the 2nd June – please do contact Trudy.rudge@activatelearning.ac.uk if you would like to get involved and we can get you some further information!
If you have students interested in becoming an apprentice, please do encourage them to keep up to date with our latest vacancies and if your student already has an employer in place, please do get them to register their information.
Your schools team can help support you with workshops, masterclasses and assemblies covering everything you need to know about how apprenticeships work – please do get in touch if you need any help or support!
Let’s Plan Ahead – Working Together on Safeguarding File Transfers
If you have Year 11 students joining an Activate Learning college this September who have safeguarding records, we’d really value early discussions.
Sharing key information in advance enables us to plan tailored support and ensure a safe, joined-up transition for each learner.
For high-risk or complex cases, please contact us as soon as possible via safe@activatelearning.ac.uk or 01865 550401, particularly if applicants have:
- A Social Worker, Personal Advisor, Youth Worker or Mental Health involvement (e.g. CIN, CP, CAMHS)
- At risk of harm, neglect, abuse or exploitation
- Police or Youth Justice involvement, or concerning behaviours (e.g. harmful sexual behaviour)
- Significant mental health needs such as self-harm or suicidal ideation
- A status as Cared For, Care Leaver, Young Carer, or Young Parent
- Support through the Prevent ‘Channel’ programme
We’re here to make transitions safer and smoother for every learner – and we really appreciate your support.
Exciting Opportunity for Schools in Berkshire: Funded Skills Bootcamp for Teaching Assistants Supporting SEND
We are delighted to share with you, a unique and exciting opportunity to strengthen your Teaching Assistant workforce with specialist SEND training. We’re launching a funded Skills Bootcamp: Teaching Assistant -Supporting SEND, designed in collaboration with local schools to help:
- Recruit new Teaching Assistants with SEND-specific skills
- Upskill your current TA team to better support learners with SEND
This is a practical, workforce-focused solution to help address skills gaps and improve support for students who need it most.
We have just 16 funded places available for a September start, so early interest is essential.
Please contact anna-may.hicks@activatelearning.ac.uk for more information.
Meet the team
I am a fully qualified careers advisor with over 11 years’ experience in the education sector, I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with you all and provide you with any support you may need. I am passionate about supporting our young people in realising their full potential and in helping them to achieve their future career goals.
Outside of work I am a consummate learner who loves to expand her knowledge having recently undertaken a history degree as well as a certificate in Forensics I am already looking for the next thing! I love travel and all things history so an old ruin ( not my pseudonym) is my idea of heaven!
I am a dedicated professional with a strong educational background (BSc and MA).
Throughout my career I have found my true passion in supporting and empowering young people to access education tailored to their needs and to receive the support necessary.
With over 16 years of experience in Further Education, I am passionate about supporting students to discover their post-16 options, whatever they may be.
Beyond work, I enjoy playing stoolball and exploring the countryside on long walks with friends.
I am a fully qualified teacher and have a keen interest in SEND, particularly in helping all students to achieve their full potential in college and life. Outside work, I am always learning new experiences and skills to be shared with our students.
