Inspiring Rotherham's Future

Kirsty, a year six pupil from Monkwood Primary School in Rawmarsh, said: "I think that it would be nice if businessmen and women could come into school and help us, because they really know how to do a job properly."

Rotherham Ready, a leading enterprise project, works regularly with students aged from 4-19 and their teachers in school, to develop enterprise skills and business acumen.

Over four years since the start of the project, Rotherham Ready has now developed a borough of extremely enterprising young people who are keen to forge links and learn from Rotherham's finest in the world of work.

Opportunities to work with students include, sponsoring projects, business mentorship, speed networking, presentations and hosting question and answer sessions.

Paula Harmer, Headteacher at Thorpe Hesley Junior School, said: "We need to be opening children's eyes to the diversity and possibilities in the word of adult work, broadening horizons and raising aspirations.

"To do it effectively and in a way that is meaningful and long lasting we need the help of people who are already in the workplace. We need help from local businesses, to show children what they can do if they are enterprising."

Kennedy, another student from Monkwood Primary School, continued: "When we are planning businesses for our Winter Wonderland and other Enterprise days, people from business could show us how to make our products more exciting and they could show us how to make sure our products are made carefully and advertised properly."

Over the lifetime of the Rotherham Ready project, local businesses have been fundamental to the now international reputation Rotherham schools and teachers have for their enterprising attitudes to teaching and learning.

Projects such as "Make £5 Blossom" and the new "Young Entrepreneur's Clubs" initiative, have made waves in the business world, demonstrating to directors, sales managers and entrepreneurs alike, just how enterprising and innovative pupils from as young as four-years-old are in Rotherham.

Jackie Frost, Project Manager for Rotherham Ready added: "It's not just about becoming an entrepreneur, it's about being equipped with the skills to be enterprising - adapting to a changing economic climate and be willing to take on new challenges every day - this is why we need our local businesses to support our schools and future generation employees."

To get involved and inspire Rotherham children, please contact Becky Mollart, Schools Liaison Officer for the Rotherham Ready project: rebecca.mollart@rotherham.gov.uk.