Dear whom it may concern,

The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University will be running our Success4Life project for looked after children again this term. The project was a huge success last year and we would like to invite you to nominate learners from your school to take part:

Who for? This project is for looked after children in Manchester, in Year 8 and 9. It’s important that the young people involved understand that although this is a project for looked after children, it will not focus on their past – but on their futures and all the options which are open to them. This is open to students from Manchester, Salford and Trafford.

Who by? The project is being developed and delivered in collaboration between the Widening Participation teams at the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

What? This project will focus on self-development – looking at young people’s strengths and skills, confidence and aspiration building. The project will focus around group work and will aim to motivate and inspire young people in their development and progression, raising awareness of Higher Education and the options available to them post-16. It will also be fun, and the young people will be working with positive role models who are students at the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University – some of whom are care experienced. The project will culminate with a Graduation ceremony at the University on Tuesday 11th December, and learners will be signposted to other opportunities they can get involved with.

Where? The project will take place on campus at the University of Manchester.

When? The 7-week long project is due to commence on Tuesday 15th October. Sessions will be held weekly at The University of Manchester, from 3.30 – 5:30pm. There will also be two reunion sessions held in the New Year.

Transport: As per last year, we won’t be able to cover any transport costs. From experience we have found that this project works best when carers assist with arranging transport for your young person to attend the sessions.

How do you get your students involved?: Attached to this e-mail is: a) A nomination form for the pupils you would like to nominate to take part in this project b) An information letter for learners themselves c) Information letter and consent form for the learners parents/carers

Please nominate your learners by returning the attached information form to [email protected] by Monday 1st October. Please note that all information will be kept confidential and used only by the Success4Life team to ensure the young people get the most out of the project.

Please note: spaces on this course are very limited – we have only 15 places available – and these will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We will confirm places once we have received consent forms. In the first instance, each school can nominate 3 young people.

We hope that the project will be a memorable and worthwhile experience for the young people and we look forward to working with you over the coming months. In the meantime, if you have any further questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards, Emma Lewis-Kalubowila

Emma Lewis-Kalubowila Academic Enrichment Officer, Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Rutherford Building 2.053 The University of Manchester M13 9PL Tel +44(0)161 306 1715