What do these figures show us? The statistics offer "outcome indicators" for looked-after children - that means their attainment levels at school, their status upon finishing school at 16, their offending behaviour and a few indicators of health.
How do they define "looked after"? All children and young people who have been looked after in foster care or children's homes for at least 12 months as of 30 September 2004.
And how are they doing? It's no secret that many young people in care struggle with their education. A 2003 report from the Social Exclusion Unit, A Better Education for Children in Care, identified five reasons why: a lack of stability; too much time spent out of school through exclusion, truancy or not having a place; a lack of support within school; a lack of encouragement at home; and difficulties with their emotional and mental wellbeing. The unit made recommendations for improving the way looked-after children are supported, backing up initiatives such as the 885m Quality Protects programme.
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