Sasha, who is 17, lives in Walsall and has been in care for most of herlife. She has a very good relationship with her foster carers but threeyears ago became increasingly withdrawn, disinterested in school andlost all her confidence. Her homework was sketchy, and she wasn't takingpart in after-school activities.
At this point, Walsall's education support team stepped in. It offersthe Excellent File scheme to all children in public care to help withtheir schooling. As Steve Murray, manager of the team, which is runjointly by the council and private education company Serco, explains:"In 2001, we consulted with children in care and found that although 85per cent felt very well supported by their teachers, only 15 per centfelt that the people providing their care supported and rewarded theireducation. So we decided on a user-friendly system that gets them usedto feeling that, if they do well, it's noticed and rewarded." Each filehas three levels and the children get a small reward - usually partpayment towards an item they want - at each stage.
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