Guide to writing SMART targets
PEP targets need to be the stepping-stones to support the young person to achieve their longer-term targets and aspirations. They should support them in the journey in or towards Education, Employment or Training.
Have a go at writing a SMART Target:
Start by writing down your initial target for the young person. Work your way through the questions below, adding more information to your initial target as you go.
Specific
- Is this specific to the young person and to the curriculum/targeted area?
- Which specific skills or knowledge need to be acquired?
- Who needs to be included?
- When do you want to do this?
- Why is this a target?
Measurable
- How can you measure progress?
- How are you going to demonstrate success?
Achievable
- Does the young person have the skills required to achieve the target?
- If not, how can you support them?
- What is the motivation for this target?
- Is the amount of effort required on par with what the goal will achieve?
Realistic
- Will the young person be able to achieve this target?
- Will they be able to celebrate a success by their next PEP meeting? Or in the longer term? Is what is being asked realistic in terms of timescale? For example, can revision of a whole unit of work be completed by the set date?
- Does the young person have the required independent study skills needed to supplement their learning?
- Does the young person have access to the required resources such a laptop/Internet?
Time-bound
- What's the deadline and is it realistic?
- Will this target be able to be reviewed at the next PEP meeting?
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