Purpose

As part of the Grant Offer Letter for 2026/27, the CEC have awarded funding of £113,125 for the Aspiring Pathways programme for the 2026/27 academic year. The programme aims to provide high-quality, meaningful work experience opportunities for young people in Alternative Provision settings, helping some of the most vulnerable and disengaged learners build confidence, develop employability skills, raise aspirations and progress into education, training or employment.
A plan has been developed by the Careers Hub team, which has been given approval by the CEC, setting out the activities that they would like to pursue, which will utilise the available funding.
 

Decision

Option 1. As the Aspiring Pathways Plan has been agreed internally, and has been approved by the CEC, the process would be expedited, without the need for separate Corporate Director approvals for each contract awarded.

Aldine House - £9,000
Maple Medical PRU - £10,000
Sheffield Inclusion Centre - £30,000
Springwell Alternative Academy - Wellspring - £20,000
Rotherham Aspire - £20,000
St. Wilfrid's Academy - £15,000
The Levett School - £9,000

Alternative options considered

1. Approval for the plan and for delegated authority to award Grants.
2. Approval for each activity separately, with separate approval sought from the Corporate Director of Growth, Business and Skills for the award of each Grant.
3. Decline the Aspiring Pathways funding.