Rainsbrook STC are first secure site to introduce Commando Joe’s school programme

The Novus team at Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre (STC) are working with national schools initiative Commando Joe’s, to develop a programme to support the growth of the childrens’ self-confidence, communication skills and resilience. This is the first time the national school programme has been introduced into the secure estate.

Commando Joe’s delivers evidence based, impact driven interventions in all types of schools across the country. The programme supports pupils, parents, teachers and schools with building essential life skills, supporting positive behaviour changes and working alongside senior leaders with school improvement plans.

The team from Commando Joe’s held training sessions with the Novus team at Rainsbrook to enable them to deliver the programme to the children at the Centre. The sessions looked at how they can deliver the programme to support the curriculum, as well as training them on using all the equipment Commando Joe’s provided. The Novus education team at Rainsbrook STC are looking forward to embedding the programme into their delivery.

Melanie Kelsey, Novus Head of Education at Rainsbrook STC, said: “Education staff at Rainsbrook were introduced to a new take on education delivery when Commando Joe’s visited the site to present their programme. I have no doubt that this will be hugely popular with our children and also support an innovative educational offer.”

Steve Byrne, Novus Director of Youth Justice, said: “We are delighted to be working with Commando Joe’s at Rainsbrook STC. They have worked with a number of schools across the country and their programmes have had a real impact in developing children’s self-confidence, positive communication skills and resilience.

“Our partnership with Commando Joe’s will have a hugely positive and long lasting impact for the children at Rainsbrook, enabling them to gain the social skills they need to help them flourish in future years.”

Mike Hamilton OBE, Founder of Commando Joe’s said: “Engaging and supporting young people is our passion and to have the opportunity to work in partnership with such a forward thinking organisation like Novus, is fantastic.

“The team at Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre are now all trained and will be able to adapt and mould our resources to best suit the young people in their care.

“We are very excited to see the impacts it will have on staff and their young people.”