Children and young people's stories
‘Young people in care should be able to have access to educational support just like any other young person.’
'In my opinion to improve educational experiences for young people in care, tutors, education material (such as books and online material) and study rooms for studying in a quiet environment are needed.’
Sam
‘I had plenty of help... [but] not constantly moving schools…and keeping stability [would have improved my experience.]’
Ryan
‘Better, more informed advice, scribes, your own laptop, flexible exams, additional support , IEP (individual education plan), buddy, one-to-one teaching without being discriminated against [would have improved my experience.]’
Anonymous third year pupil
‘Getting moved from time to time and…starting new schools and work over and over again…going backwards and forwards…that’s a serious issue.'
Anonymous
‘My school were incredible - they did not treat me any differently… I had lots of support and only a limited amount of teachers knew about my situation.’
Cheryl
‘There is nothing worse than getting treated differently by the teacher…and getting preferential treatment… It can cause bullying and stigma.’
Anonymous
‘The day after I went back to school after getting taken into care…everybody knew. I did not get the chance to tell my closest friends. I was so angry… it put me off school… They eventually chucked me out… so I was made to go to college at the age of 15. They picked my course for me and I was never given the choice... I wanted to do hairdressing and they put me in a computing course… I never went.’
Hayley
How schools could help
'Welcome them…and give them a buddy (the same age) so they can make friends. The buddy would show them about…help them find their way.’
Anonymous
A common point that came up was that the young people wished to see a counsellor or specific teacher allocated to their needs - someone they could trust and rely on and go to with their problems. The feeling of continuity, safety and confidentiality seemed key to this.
‘A teacher that you can go to…and that isn’t too busy…’
Anonymous
‘A counsellor or specific teacher the young person can speak to in order to get their problems off their chest.’
Anonymous
‘I think it is a really good idea to have a school counsellor that you can go and speak to if you have any problems…and with full confidentiality, knowing that they are actually going to listen to you and take on board what you are saying and not just brush you off like everybody else.’
‘If teachers actually listened to what we were saying then we wouldn’t have half the problems that we do have in the education system.[This way]young people would actually be getting the support that they needed.'
Hayley
The system has got better…there are some LAC teams in some schools…if a young person needs guidance and support there are learning bases which they can go to…but some schools are better than others…but there is no consistency …’
Anonymous
‘If it is working in one school…or other educational places, such as college…it should be passed around.’
Anonymous
Low expectations
A high percentage of young people mentioned the low expectations held regarding their abilities and aspirations. Some discussed times when they had been excluded from school, and that as a consequence they were not given appropriate or alternative forms of tuition. If they were given alternative forms the level of teaching and course work often did not match their ability.
‘I could not be bothered going to school… I couldn’t be bothered getting up in the morning to go…and no one seemed to wake me up…so after a while I got wise to it and eventually I just stopped going.’
Hayley
‘When I was in school my parents were told that I would never make anything of myself.’
James
‘The system actually lets young people in care down...I was excluded from school at the age of 13 and the only education that I received was one hour per week.’
Anonymous
‘Then they started giving me home tuition…sums like two add two…they gave me the work just for the sake of it.’
Hayley
Colin's story
Colin, 17, describes how he is coping after leaving care
When I left care it was the right time for me because I didn't get on very well with my foster carers. But I didn't feel ready to be on my own and have a flat. So that's why I am in supported accommodation to help me with my cooking etc. And also I have been looking for a job but I have just been out of luck.
I will continue to look for jobs and hand in my CVs, to earn a little more money as well. And I wish I'd stayed a bit longer at school to try and get better qualifications.
Related links
Applying to college or uni
What it's like to apply to college or university when you're a care leaver.