In addition to this some schools mentioned the challenge of gaining understanding of progression of their learners after they turn 18 . It was mentioned that further support from SUN in sharing this data would be a beneficial aspect of the partnership .
“ Getting the destination data post age 18 is nigh on impossible . I spend weeks preparing the document that we have to do for post 16 where we think they ' re going to make sure we don ' t have any NEETs . But perhaps only one of our perhaps four feeder Colleges ever gives me the information back two years later when they know where they ' ve gone .” SPoC Hampshire School
Time
The challenge of time was , by far , the most challenging aspect experienced by both school and college staff in Phase 1 . In all data collected it was highlighted that although the additional funding given to schools for the SPoC role was appreciated , it didn ’ t transform into a specific role with time aligned to undertake administrative duties .
In the vast majority of examples provided , the SPoC role was in addition to pre-existing responsibilities within the school . Some SPoCs who were interviewed had an SLT position which enabled SUN and NCOP to be embedded but also caused challenges with regards to time for the SPoC to undertake the administration and planning needed for activities , projects and wider interventions .
A solution to assist in alleviating this challenge links directly to the above theme of communication . As outlined previously schools and FECs have requested that SUN provide a comprehensive academic year calendar with SUN led events clearly stated . This would enable SPoCs to plan their time more effectively and spread their own planned events and interventions around SUN led events . From a SUN perspective , this would also support the reinforcement of a sustained and progressive outreach programme .
“ If I ' m completely honest it ' s because I am the main role but I ' m assistant head and I ' ve got loads of other commitments . At the moment I ’ m managing to keep things ticking over and we ’ re doing fine .” SPoC Hampshire School
“ It doesn ' t actually create me any more hours in a day in a particularly busy week or particularly busy time . But we appreciate that the time scales and some of the stuff comes from beyond SUN . It ' s not something you ' ve necessarily got the capability to change .” SPoC Southampton School
Ethics and practicalities of specific targeting
The final theme emerging from SPoC and FEC interviews was the issue of the specific targeting of NCOP . School and College staff mentioned the ethical considerations of targeting at such a refined level of postcodes .
9