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Information for young learners

Find out how to access the services provided by the NTU SHIELD programme, as a young learner or as someone referring a young person.

SHIELD is a coaching based programme for young learners aged 11-14 years dealing with the tough phases of adolescence and how the impact this has on their educational progress and attainment at school.

Adolescence is a crucial stage of personal development where individuals go through lots of change which can be exciting but also challenging. For young learners, challenges to development during this stage may be a result of personal struggles with their sense of self, social barriers or life events. Social interactions with others at school, within the home environment and in the wider community become an important context for identity development. Without appropriate support, navigating adolescence can become overwhelming and lead to long-term difficulty and disadvantage.

How NTU SHIELD works

Two students in conversation

The SHIELD coaching approach aims to equip young learners to develop positive personal skills for development and empower them towards educational success in the short term, and life success long term.

SHIELD will be beneficial to young learners to help them to:

  • engage with their education, in class or exams
  • build positive connections at school or at home
  • grow their self-confidence
  • develop resilience
  • understand who they are
  • understand their emotions
  • reflect on practical and positive skills to better navigate adolescence.

Young learners will have weekly 30-45 minute sessions with their support worker, for 4-6 weeks. The sessions can take place in person at Nottingham Trent University's City Campus, or online via Microsoft Teams.

How to access NTU SHIELD

Young learners aged 11-14 years can access support via to SHIELD in three simple steps:

  • A member of staff at school completes and submits the SHIELD referral form (coming in January 2024)
  • SHIELD will make contact with the young learner and parent/carer to receive consent
  • The young learner is matched with a coaching support worker and then coaching support can begin!

Have any questions?

For questions about SHIELD service or making a referral please email shield@ntu.ac.uk.

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