The Strategic Framework for Education and Training (ET 2020) for Europe has at its core the important target of reducing the number of young people leaving school early that become Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). According the EU statistics about young people and NEETs the countries involved in this project are all facing similar problems related to the youth’s disengagement from education, labour market and, in worst cases, from society. In 2011, 14 million young people 18-29 years in Europe were NEET - this problem is still an issue. In all four countries the situation of young people being excluded from education many through social disadvantage is an on-going problem. A radical new approach is required to create longer-term solutions. The project is based on a combined approach of early intervention, parental education coupled with active participation by young people falling into the risk category of becoming NEET to tackle this issue head-on developing a unique, innovative and inspiring project. This 3-year project aims to look at the causes, influences and barriers to education that result in so many young people becoming NEET. The many strands to this project aim strategically to explore what viable alternatives there are nationally and internationally to traditional learning models that contribute to the challenge faced by many young people in both the primary and secondary sector but also to the parenting behind these young people. The project will focus on engagement with schools, pupils, their families and local organisations working at grass roots to support pupils and their families to explore how collaboratively we can support pupils to remain in school/educational setting. We will also work with local businesses to scope how we can support young people in the world of work through better work experience models. To support these aims, objectives, and training activities we will develop seven Intellectual Outputs: • Baseline assessment • Early Identification Tool • Phase 1 of the World of Work Toolkit • Phase 2 of the World of Work Toolkit • Good Practice guidelines • Research & Analysis report • Good practice guidance There will be one multiplier event in Cardiff to promote the aims of the project and widen participation in the using resources and methodology developed. Pupils and staff from Wales and from partner regions will deliver workshops. Delegates will learn of the good practice and will be encouraged to become involved in this project through in order to widen the participation across Europe. There will be FOUR short exchange programmes for pupils – with opportunities for them to share experiences, develop pupil voice and develop as global citizens through inter-cultural dialogue. There will be THREE short-term joint staff training events for staff to share experience and develop approaches to working with pupils at risk of becoming NEETS. There will also be opportunities to work shadow while on the short-term study visits. The participants in this project include: 9 Schools 4 Local Authorities/Regional Authorities 1 social enterprise/non formal education – Non Governmental Organisation We will also involve local organisations who work at grass roots level with young people who are potential NEETS and local businesses, but not listed as partner organisations. As a direct result of this project, we expect to see increased engagement by pupils and their parents in education. The result from which will be raising in standards and a reduction in the number of pupils becoming NEET.

We aim to prepare our young learners for the 21st century and meet EU objectives by supporting them to develop:- an increased sense of initiative - an increased level of creativity- improved levels of skills for the 21st century classroomThis project will meet these objectives and collaboratively explore innovative learning and teaching methodologies with a particular focus on the development of creative approaches which will indirectly impact on digital competences, literacy and numeracy and reducing the impact of poverty on attainment. By involving all stakeholders, whether teacher, pupil, parent or additional agencies, in the search to incorporate creativity and innovative programmes of learning we aim to improve the quality of teaching and learning across all participating schools and regions thus raising standards for all pupils irrespective of ability and socio-economic background.Young learners will be at the centre of this project giving them the opportunity to work with teachers and contributing to the success of the outputs. The project is in 3 Phases:1 EXPLORE 2 DEVELOP3 EMBEDEach phase allows participating teachers will work collaboratively to investigate creative teaching methodology, embed creativity across the curriculum and, developing their own skills in creative learning, raising standards across all subjects but especially in literacy, numeracy and digital competences. We will explore curriculum areas and thematic learning to develop creative approaches. As part of our dissemination and sustainability plans we will prepare participating teachers to work collaboratively with others to embed creative learning across the curriculum in their own setting but also teachers from a wider group of schools, locally, nationally and internationally, parents, the wider community and additional agencies involved in school life. Developing creative approaches to learning in schools is increasingly being recognised as effective in preparing young learners for the 21st century workplace. We aim to empower all students, including those with behavioural or mental health problems by enhancing emotional wellbeing through the development of creative learning skills.