Council: Wandsworth
Performance: The percentage of former care leavers aged 19 who were in education, employment or training. Years ending 31 March
Wandsworth has made impressive strides in ensuring care leavers do not struggle to continue in education, employment or training after finishing school.
Even in 2005, the London borough was achieving higher than the national average with 57.6 per cent of its 19-year-old care leavers securing education, training or employment.
But in the past five years, the authority has managed to increase this figure further, reaching 81.5 per cent in 2009. This is significantly above the 63 per cent national average.
"Putting education at the centre of all work with young people" is the key according to Michele Harris, service manager with responsibility for care leavers.
"For us participation in education, training or employment is the most effective way for young people to improve their life chances," she says.
The authority ensures that through pathway planning, named personal advisers and Connexions workers each care leaver is monitored and given help in the areas they most need it.
Harris says: "We look at two distinct groups; those who are currently not participating and those involved in courses and higher education, because we found this the most helpful way to target those at risk of becoming disengaged."
Another focus for Harris is ensuring stability in looked-after children and care leavers' home lives, with a particular emphasis on Year 10 students.
