Foster carers and education
Although there's no direct evidence of a link between a foster carer's own educational background and that of their fostered children, we do know there's a strong link between the educational outcomes of parent and child.
Some research has suggested that a foster carer's education affects the educational outcomes for fostered children. A 2005 study of care leavers in England who went on to university found that 33% of their foster carers were university educated too and tended to have professional jobs.
It may not be the foster carer's education that directly makes the difference, but more the sense they give to the child of what's possible. Our book 'Who Cares? about going to university' found that foster carers described by their foster children as 'very intelligent', 'very clever' and 'all for education' provided a great impetus for children to go to university - regardless of whether they had a degree themselves.
Research conducted by The Fostering Network concluded that 'many foster carers, particularly those with few educational qualifications themselves, reported less confidence in helping young people with homework, communicating with teaching staff and participating in school activities.'
What's the solution?
A number of schemes can help improve foster carers' input into education:
- Local authorities should assess whether foster carers will be able to support a child's education when they are first assessed. Those who might struggle should be given extra help to meet the standard.
- There should be strong partnerships between foster carers and designated teachers.
- There should be money available to foster carers so they can plan supplementary educational activity for a child in their care.
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