PLAYING FOR SUCCESS
So what is Playing for Success…?!

'Playing for Success' is a high profile government initiative aimed at raising standards in numeracy, literacy and ICT, for 10-14-year-old students.

The initiative uses the power of sport to engage and motivate students to learn through state of the art Study Centres, based at professional sports clubs.

The Edgeley Park Study Centre brings together a mutual partnership between Stockport Council's Children & Young People's Directorate, the Department for Children Schools and Families and Stockport County Football Club.

The award winning Study Centre is a purpose built building housed within Edgeley Park and the main entrance, corridors and Study Centre room have SCFC graphics adorning the walls, giving children the real 'wow' factor!

Now recognised as a National Centre of Excellence it has an array of multi-media facilities along with a sound proofed media suite, enabling it to further develop its curriculum through the creative use of digital film and radio. Students are able to record Podcasts, create animated films, design comic strips and also storyboard mini movies in a safe, fun environment.

QUALITY
Since it was opened in February 2000, by the then Secretary of State for Education, David Blunkett, the centre has been awarded three prestigious kite marks for 'Quality in Study Support'.

The centre was awarded 'emerged' status in June 2001, 'established' status in July 2004 and 'advanced' status November 2007.There are only 10 'Advanced' centres across the country, out of a family of over 170 Study Centres.

The DCSF use the 'QISS' process and its 'code of practice' to monitor and evaluate quality of provision within Study Centres.The centre is regularly used by the DCSf as an exemplar for its creative use of technology and is regularly visited by Premier League clubs to see examples of 'best' practice.

CURRICULUM
The Authority funded centre offers all Stockport schools the opportunity to access 'innovative' POS using technology schools do not have access to.

It offers a totally inclusive selection policy and works with children of all ages and abilities.

FACILITIES
The centre is recognised as a National Centre of Excellence by the Department for Children Schools and Families and was awarded Regional Training Centre status by Apple UK in January 2008.

It has superb views overlooking the Edgeley Park pitch and direct access to the stadium and all its facilities.The stadium is regularly used by the LA to support a number of high profile numeracy and literacy based projects such as Fit 4 Reading and Fit 4 Figures. It has an array of 'high tech' ICT facilities, and offers children the opportunity to use an Apple OSX network with multi-media facilities.

PLAYER INVOLVEMENT
First team players regularly attend the centre for player interviews, which are used to help improve students 'speaking & listening skills' and are also filmed and created into Podcasts.

County's first team players also attend end of course presentation nights to award certificates, sign autographs, have pictures taken and hand out free matchday tickets and raffle prizes.

Over 300 students and parents regularly attend these events.

Any school interested in taking a place at the Study Centre please contact:
Gary Richards,
Stockport Children & Young People's Directorate
PfS Centre Manager
0161 477 2959.