The Kids Network partner with primary schools to support children during a crucial stage in their lives in the lead up to their transition into secondary school.
SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
The Kids Network partner with primary schools to support children, aged 8 – 11, during a crucial stage in their lives: the lead up to their transition into secondary school.
We work across London and partner with primary schools in Camden, Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hackney, and Brent.
To work with us, you need to be:
- a primary school,
- located in a borough we work in (our reach grows each year, so if a borough is not listed yet, email us to express your interest),
- able to refer pupils who would benefit from having a mentor.
Get in touch to arrange an introductory call and receive our schools’ booklet with more information! Email info@thekidsnetwork.org.uk
Referrals
With large classroom sizes and complex home lives, we know that not all children get that one-to-one support they need. Schools refer pupils who they deem would benefit from the support of meeting their mentor each week for an entire year. A child can be referred to our programme for a range of reasons – there is no typical child on the programme. Some reasons pupils might be referred are because they:
- have low confidence or self-esteem,
- are or have been young carers,
- could benefit from more social and emotional support,
- have experienced an Adverse Childhood Experience.
What will my school receive?
Schools can match up to 20 children every year, and children will receive:
- Up to 60 hours of 1:1 child-led mentoring per pupil referred,
- A pre-matching workshop, where children will get to know The Kids Network and think about what traits they would like their mentors to have,
- A feedback session half-way through the year, where children can share their views on the programme,
- A monthly budget so mentors and mentees can explore London together.
Additionally, schools will receive:
- Safeguarding support throughout our partnership,
- Reports showcasing the impact of the programme,
- A designated member of The Kids Network staff to support,
- Termly meetings and regular check-ins to discuss your pupils’ progress.
Our Mentors
Our mentors are volunteer mentors, who are usually working professionals from the local community. Volunteer mentors go through a thorough rigorous recruitment process, two days of training and receive on-going support from The Kids Network on their mentoring journey.
“
The majority of our children are rarely taken outside the local area by their family (due to a combination of time pressures, parental lack of confidence and economic difficulties). Many of our children have told us their time with their mentor is the best part of their week & something they really look forward to. The mentoring experience for our vulnerable children is really amazing and life changing for many. We think it’s incredible to be given this opportunity and we are so thankful. Community Liaison
”
“
Being able to offer some of our most vulnerable children a Kids Network mentor has been amazing. Our primary school is situated in an area of high deprivation with many families struggling with exceptionally difficult circumstances. For a child to have regular one to one time with a caring and interested adult, who can support them to explore their interests and develop a playful, trusting relationship, over the course of a year, is massively beneficial and really helps to build self-esteem. Deputy Headteacher
”
Get your school involved by getting in touch with our team at info@thekidsnetwork.org.uk
SAFEGUARDING
The Kids Network is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of the children we work with.
We have a zero tolerance approach to any harm or exploitation of a child by any of our staff, volunteers, partners or Trustees.
We ask all mentors to provide two references after the application. We will provide thorough safeguarding and child protection training to all volunteer mentors and process Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all successful mentors.
The Kids Network holds safeguarding in the highest regard and we have this culture embedded across our processes and practices. Read our safeguarding policy here.
If you have a concern about a child, please contact our designated safeguarding officer, Ruth on r.simmonds@thekidsnetwork.org.uk
