Council: Lewisham
Performance: The percentage of former care leavers aged 19 who were in education, employment or training in the year ending 31 March
2004 Lewisham 27.4% England average 55.4%
2005 Lewisham 59.7% England average 59.1%
2006 Lewisham 63.6% England average 63.4%
2007 Lewisham 60.7% England average 63%
2008 Lewisham 65.7% England average 64.9%
In 2004, Lewisham was falling well below the national average for the percentage of its care leavers going into education, training or employment. With only 27.4 per cent doing so, it was clear that the south-east London authority had to take urgent steps towards improvement.
However, in just four years Lewisham has managed to raise this figure to nearly 66 per cent. Martin Hudson, service manager for Lewisham's looked-after children, says simple but meaningful steps have led to the upward trend. "Having two careers advisers within the leaving-care service has made a big difference," he explains. "We have also established relationships with local agencies and forged strong links with Connexions."
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