Officially launching on 6th May, under the leadership of Dillon Yates, the Ogden Trust’s initiative seeks a vision to tackle social disadvantage in Rochdale.
Dale Futures CIC will work with local partners and agencies based at the Crown Oil Arena to build alternative education provision to meet the needs of young people who have found it difficult to succeed within a mainstream setting and will tackle social disadvantage through high expectations and personalised support.
“I’m excited to start my journey within the Rochdale community,” says Dillon.
“Education and alternative provision are my passion. I came from a deprived background, with barriers to learning, low aspirations and not much hope of opportunity from a young age.
“I understand the amazing impact alternative provision can have on young people who need it the most because I have personally experienced it.
“For the past 13 years I have proudly supported alternative provision catering for a range of needs including SEMH and SEND, working with mainstream settings at primary and secondary and with local authorities.
“I am looking forward to bringing my personal and professional experience to Dale Futures, building strong foundations from which we can launch new initiatives to support and enhance the pathways available to young people in Rochdale.”
Dale Futures is based at the Crown Oil Arena, home of Rochdale AFC and will build on the education programme already provided by the Rochdale AFC Community Trust. The Ogden Trust is proud to be a founding member of the Dale Futures CIC and will continue to provide support and guidance as the organisation is fully established.
“The Ogden family has a long-standing association with Rochdale,” explains Cameron Ogden, Chair of The Ogden Trust and Co-Chair of Rochdale AFC following the family investment in the club last year.
“Dale Futures is a valuable and exciting initiative that will provide additional education support to those who most need it.
“Rochdale has a high number of young people who are not in education, employment or training – hopefully Dale Futures can provide early interventions to address this challenge, building higher aspirations and achievements for all.”
Dale Futures will provide alternative provision and support for young people to secure their engagement in education and to give them access to employment opportunities.
“We are delighted to be one of the founding members of the Dale Futures CIC alongside Rochdale AFC Community Trust,” explains Clare Harvey, Chief Executive of The Ogden Trust.
“We look forward to working with Dillon as he develops and delivers his vision to raise aspirations and remove barriers to learning.”
“Rochdale AFC Community Trust is thrilled to support Dale Futures,” adds Ryan Bradley, Community Director, Rochdale AFC Community Trust.
“For the past four years we have been providing alternative provision at the stadium to help schools meet the needs of their pupils.
“Our offer has evolved and expanded, enabling many young people to achieve and thrive with additional pastoral support, an alternative setting and a fresh approach to learning but demand has outgrown our provision.
“Dale Futures can now offer new, vibrant, fully equipped and resourced provision that will grow and accelerate the work of the Community Trust. We look forward to supporting Dillon and seeing the positive change Dale Futures will have on the lives of young Rochdalians,” concludes Ryan.
Whilst providing advice and guidance to support the broader education remit of Dale Futures, The Ogden Trust remains focused on the teaching and learning of physics across England.
