FAQ

• Why should I register as a member - what are the benefits?
  
  Well it is free so that bit is good. Members will have access to more information and you will need to be a member to access some of the resources and information. Members also have access to the NLP Blog so you can discuss a wide range of issues with other members. There will be access to job vacancies from all partners, information about activities and events and even a chance to show off your creative side.
• What kind of projects are you developing to influence aspiration?
  
  A look through the projects and activities section will show a diverse range of projects including role model development in schools, increased support for underemployed graduates to education, support for homeless and vulnerable, development of vocational courses which embed skills for life support and develop tutor undersatnding of skills for life delivery. One of the key messages in the work we have developed is that of working together. All of our projects are linked and expected to support each other. There is no single solution to raise aspirations. Only through a holistic and coordinated approach can we hope to change the nature of aspirations in Norfolk in the long term.
• How is this work funded?
  
  Currently the aspirations agenda is not directly funded by anyone. Activities are funded through a wide range of project bids which are managed by the Norfolk Learning Partnership. The Aspirations coordinator post is maintained by the Norfolk Learning Partnership and is partially supported by Investing in Communities funding. Although the agenda is widely recognised as essential, we continue to look for funding to develop it further
• Who does the coordinator work for?
  
  Many organisations have identified aspirations as a cross cutting theme and it was the County Strategic Partnership who first identified the need to develop this role. The Norfolk Learning Partnership agreed to take the lead on this agenda and the Aspirations Coordinator is part of their team.
• What influences our aspirations?
  
  Many things can influence aspiration. Research suggests that parents/family have a very strong influence. Other role models including teachers, peers, and even celebrities,can also be influential (for both good and bad reasons). Self Esteem and confidence are important factors and the availability of real opportunity can limit the aspirations of individuals. When developing a definition for aspirations we sought to highlight some of the key processes needed to bring about long term change: Aspiration: "The desire to achieve our potential" Level of aspiration: "What we perceive our potential to be" Maximising aspiration: "Ensuring that we are aware of our full potential... AND can access opportunities to fulfil that potential... AND have the desire to do so" The documents "Reaching our Potential:Raising Aspirations in Norfolk" and "Fulfilling our Aspirations" outline key areas which we need to address. These can be found in the library section
• Why do we need a coordinator for Aspiration work?
  
  Raising Aspirations has been identified as a key cross cutting theme in a number of important strategy and policy documents in Norfolk. It has been cited as an issue by a wide range of research, businesses and community organisations and Ofsted. Low aspiration leads to low levels of achievement and so has a serious, negative impact on the economic and skills base of the county, as well as adversely affecting the individuals concerned and their communities. Aspirations are complex and influenced by many things. In order tackle the related problems of low aspiration and low achievement it was necessary to develop a new and holistic approach, which built on previous initiatives and research and which was able to deliver: • an accurate assessment of the present situation; • a coherent strategy for helping individuals and communities in Norfolk; • measurable, positive outcomes. These aims came together as Reaching Our Potential: Strategy for Raising Aspirations in Norfolk. The presence of an Aspirations Coordinator ensures that there is a continued central focus for aspirations work and that opportunities to bring together initiatives, activities and funding are maximised. There is still much work to be done and it is vital that continue to champion this work in Norfolk