The Virtual School asks that all targets set during Post 16 PEP meetings are SMART. This includes targets being set for young people that are attending an education setting or training provider and for those that are NEET.
Targets set must be specific to the young person and the curriculum or training/employment need. Targets must be clear about what is expected and why.
Why it matters?
When targets are SMART, they are more likely to be achieved. SMART targets provide everyone involved with a sense of clarity about what is expected of them. SMART targets make the review process clear as they provide key indicators of success. SMART targets should be appropriate for the age and abilities of the young person.
Specific
The target must be specific to the young person and the curriculum or training/employment need. The target must detail specific skills or knowledge the young person needs to acquire or demonstrate.
Measurable
It is important for everyone to agree on how you will measure progress is being made towards targets. Ask yourself, how can we make sure our young person can demonstrate success at their next PEP meeting?
Be mindful that some criteria are easier to measure than others. For example, "working at a Grade 4 in algebra" "improving attendance to above 90%" can be demonstrated through assessment or data whereas "to improve confidence in Maths" is more subjective.
Achievable
It is important that the targets you set for the young person are achievable. If the young person does not have the skills themselves, how can professionals support them? This should be detailed as actions within the PEP.
At the PEP meeting, professionals must ask; what is the motivation for this target? Is the amount of effort required on par with what the target will achieve? Sometimes it is best to focus on just one or two achievable targets.
Realistic
All aspects of the SMART target must be understood by everyone involved and be clearly linked to the needs and voice of the young person as identified during the PEP meeting.
Time Bound
It is important that professionals appreciate that SMART targets should be achievable by the next term's PEP meeting
Share this page
