COUNCILLORS are keen to get involved with a new scheme being developed at Court Fields School in Wellington.

Court Fields headteacher Polly Matthews and deputy head, Sarah Westwood, were due to meet with Wellington Town Council’s community committee on Monday (July 15) to discuss the cradle-to-career model of working.

The cradle-to-career initiative has been used by schools in other parts of the country and its core approach involves providing a pipeline of support from birth to early adulthood, combined with activities which target different aspects of young people’s lives. This could include antenatal classes and social groups for parents, youth groups, mentoring and career advice.

The cradle-to-career ethos goes beyond a school’s typical role and helps to join up local services to improve prospects for young people and the community.

Unfortunately, the two teachers from Court Fields were unable to attend the council meeting, but that did not stop councillors throwing their initial support behind getting a project up and running in Wellington.

Cllr Mark Lithgow said: “I am very excited about this and I can’t wait to see what we can do to support this.”

Cllr Andrew Govier added: “It’s a really good initiative and this could help young people to blossom into positive members of our community.”

It is hoped that councillors will get the chance to speak with Court Fields soon about the initiative and to see how the council could get involved and, possibly, help with the all-important funding to make the cradle-to-career scheme a success.