A good education
A look at the barriers to a good education and how things are beginning to improve
Ambitious parents across the country use increasingly complex strategies to get their children into a good school. With such competition, it’s not very surprising that a child with a ‘corporate parent’ has historically been less likely to make the cut for a school with few discipline problems and impressive exam results.
Children in care are also more likely to move around, are about ten times more likely to have a statement of special educational needs and may be distracted by the fallout from a history of abuse and neglect. These are not things that are easy to leave at the school door: children in care are also eight times as likely to be excluded from school.
All of this makes it unsurprising that in 2009 only 15% of cared for children got 5 GCSEs at A* - C grades, compared to 70% of all school children.1 View more statistics on the educational achievements of children in care.
Inspiration to learn
Despite all this, some children in care can and do get the best out of the education system. For some that will mean good school grades and a university degree. For others, it will mean finding a vocation that leads to work they enjoy. The linking factor for those who do well despite their care experience seems to be an inspiring person who has faith in a young person’s abilities.
Getting better educational support
Recent government legislation has suggested a number of ways that children in care can get more help. Since 2006, local authorities have had the power to make schools admit children in care, even if the school is already full.
Many schools have appointed designated teachers for children in care and this will become a legal requirement from September 2009. These give personal advice and support to a child. If they are upset or disruptive, the teacher can help them to continue to cope, or – if the situation is serious – sometimes find alternatives to exclusion.
There are also a couple of pilot studies around. Children who are struggling at school are now entitled to an extra £500 a year for add-ons to their education. The child should be part of the decision-making process about how this money is best spent.
Boarding school
The government is also exploring the idea of sending children in care to boarding school. Where this works well, it means that a child is supplied – for most of the year – with a home and a good education. This might work well for some who haven’t already put down strong roots in another area.
What we're doing
Our CD Rom, Teachers in the Know, helps explain to teachers the sorts of problems a child in care might have. For instance, if a child isn't paying attention in class or is being disruptive, it's useful to know if they are changing foster carer or are expecting a visit from a birth parent: these can have a major effect on how a child feels. It also talks about how to help a cared-for child to suceed in the education system. The CD Rom includes children who have experienced care talking about their education.
1 DCSF Statistical First Release (SFR) on Outcome Indicators for Children Looked After, Twelve months to 30 September 2009 - England http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000930/index.shtml