The prospects for care leavers are on the up. Improving the opportunities and outcomes for those leaving care is at the top of both policymakers' and children's leaders' agendas, while there is a growing awareness of the need for support to continue into their mid-20s. But this improving picture is not reflected in official data. Recently published figures show worrying trends in former looked-after children's education attainment.
Department for Education statistics published this month show the number of care leavers aged 19 to 21 going on to higher education has plateaued over the past four years - since 2011, it has remained around six per cent, despite the government's focus on improving looked-after children's schooling and efforts by charities to increase support for care leavers at university.
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
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
