CYP Now - Editorial: Corporate parents must focus on education

Our news story on page eight about the latest figures on the educational attainment of looked-after children is remarkably similar to one we wrote last year, when the equivalent figures were published by the Office for National Statistics (Children Now 2-8 June 2004). The figures are a bit different but the picture they paint is the same: small improvements have been made, but with little impact on the gulf between how well looked-after children do at school compared to children generally.

As for the targets the Government had hoped would be reached by 2006, at the current rate of improvement they'll be hit in about 20 years.

It's not as though we don't know what needs to be done. Various reports have highlighted the actions that will have the greatest impact, including a practice guide from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) that sums up the available research on the subject, and the Social Exclusion Unit's document, A Better Education for Children in Care, published alongside Every Child Matters in 2003.

They highlight the importance of such things as placement stability, and having a carer who is able to support their education.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included