higher education https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ en Supporting learning during periods of school closure: a guide for fostering families https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/davideggboro/supporting-learning-during-periods-school-closure-guide-fostering-families <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Supporting learning during periods of school closure: a guide for fostering families</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">DavidEggboro</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Mon, 03/23/2020 - 09:58</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>In this blog Susan Soar from our <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/policy-practice/projects-and-programmes/fostering-potential">Fostering Potential</a> programme looks at some ways in which foster carers can support children’s learning during the current coronavirus outbreak.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The recent coronavirus outbreak has led to the closure of schools and early years settings across the United Kingdom. This is a huge change in daily life for many thousands of children and young people, who may also be affected by the cancellation of public examinations this summer. Schools in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have been asked to make ongoing provision for vulnerable children, including those with a social worker. However, the implementation of this provision may vary at a local level. If school provision has not been made available to you, or you feel that this provision is not appropriate for your fostered child or young person, please contact your school, virtual school (in England) or fostering service as soon as you can.</p> <p>If you are not able to access face-to-face school provision or your fostered child needs to <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/">self-isolate</a> then the following information may be helpful. This blog aims to suggest ways in which you can continue to support the education of your fostered child or young person if they need to spend time at home.</p> <h3>School programmes</h3> <p>Your first step is to find out if your fostered child’s school is providing learning materials or online support for learning during the closure period. This might be in the form of learning packs, web-based materials or online learning sessions. We recommend that you follow the school programme where available, as this will enable your fostered child or young person to learn alongside their peers. If this content is not appropriate for your child or young person, contact your school or virtual school (in England) as soon as possible. We have also provided some guidance for supporting learning at home below.</p> <h6>Early years and pre-school</h6> <p>Children in the early years and pre-school age range can be supported by informal learning activities at home. These should include:</p> <ul> <li>plenty of talk and interaction with adults</li> <li>reading together and sharing books every day</li> <li>opportunities for writing and drawing using paper, pens, pencils and colours</li> <li>counting and using numbers to add, subtract, count in groups or share out objects</li> <li>opportunities for independent and child-led play.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You can support children’s learning through engaging in playful activities together, for example setting up a pretend shop would involve writing labels, counting objects, using money and lots of interaction. Try to follow young children’s interests: if they want to write about their favourite toy character or compile a list of the world’s best footballers, go with that plan! Remember that young children do not need to sit at a table for long periods in order to learn at home: vital learning happens through play so it is important to balance any formal learning with opportunities for independent and imaginative activities.</p> <h6>Primary</h6> <p>You will find guidance on learning throughout the primary years on our newly updated webpages on supporting <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/looking-after-fostered-child/education/supporting-reading-primary-learners">reading, writing and mathematics</a>, including links to subject-specific resources.</p> <p>Your school website should have links to online support materials. If not, we have suggested some sites covering a broad range of ages and needs:</p> <ul> <li><strong>National Numeracy: </strong>the <a href="https://www.familymathstoolkit.org.uk/">Family Maths Toolkit</a> offers links to a wide range of numeracy based activities for children.</li> <li><strong>Oxford University Press:</strong> <a href="https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/">Oxford Owl </a>is an education website covering subjects in the primary age range, including a useful <a href="https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/education-jargon-buster/education-jargon-buster-adverbials-to-arrays/">jargon buster</a> of educational terminology.</li> <li><strong>Khan Academy:</strong> this site provides <a href="http://www.khanacademy.org/">instructional videos</a> for all ages and stages of mathematics.</li> <li><strong>Booktrust:</strong> a national charity providing<a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/"> resources and support</a> to help children develop a love of reading. Booktrust publishes lists of recommended <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/our-recommendations/100-best-books/">books by age</a> and <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/our-recommendations/booklists/">books by theme</a>. See also their children's <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/">book finder</a> for new book suggestions.</li> <li><strong>National Literacy Trust:</strong> a new <a href="https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/">Family Zone</a> site has been launched in response to the coronavirus outbreak, with literacy activities organised by age-range.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h6>Secondary age range</h6> <p>At secondary age your fostered child or young person may be developing independent study skills, but you can still support them by helping them to stick to a routine, avoid distractions and consolidate their learning. See our web page on <a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/powerful-ways-all-foster-carers-can-support-childrens-learning">powerful ways that all foster carers can support children's learning</a>. The following websites may also be helpful:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Khan Academy: </strong>this site provides <a href="http://www.khanacademy.org/">instructional videos</a> for mathematics and other subjects at secondary level.</li> <li><strong>National Numeracy: </strong>Children aged 14+ and adults can use the<a href="http://www.nnchallenge.org.uk/fostering"> Maths Challenge materials to support adult numeracy</a>.</li> <li><strong>BBC Bitesize: </strong><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z4kw2hv">website </a>offering support for all areas of learning across the secondary curriculum.</li> <li><strong>Big History Project:</strong> <a href="http://www.bighistoryproject.com/home">cross-curricular USA website</a> about the history of the universe, aimed at secondary age pupils. <strong>Futurelearn: </strong>this website offers hundreds of <a href="http://www.futurelearn.com/">short free courses</a> to learners aged 14+. You may need to pay to upgrade services or get a certificate.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Some of these links may also be of interest to young people who have been affected by the cancellation of public examinations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h6>Careers and vocational planning</h6> <p>Although we are in a period of uncertainty, time away from school could also be a good opportunity for children and young people to think about their plans and aspirations for the future. Encourage children and young people to research 16+ provision, apprenticeships and options for higher education. Some useful links include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>National Careers Service:</strong> provides information on<a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/"> choices in careers, training and work</a>.</li> <li><strong>UCAS:</strong> provides information on opportunities for <u><font color="#b06400">hi</font><font color="#004000"><a href="https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships">gher education and apprenticeships</a></font></u>.</li> <li><strong>Become:</strong> the <a href="https://www.becomecharity.org.uk/for-professionals/propel/">Propel website</a> offers information on the support and assistance available to care-experienced students in higher education.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Keep in contact with school</h3> <p>During this period make sure that there are no barriers to communication with your fostered child’s school: check that the school has your up-to-date contact details and that you have subscribed to any email or text alerts. These forms of communication may still be used, even if school is closed to most pupils. Check your child or young person’s account for any online learning system and make sure that they know their passwords. Contact school if they experience any problems logging in or accessing material.</p> <h3>Finally</h3> <p>We would like you to remember that you are not alone, even in these difficult times. Make contact with other foster carers and families in your local area and use<a href="http://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/community"> our online community</a>, as someone else may have already solved a problem and be only too happy to help. Stay in touch with your fostering service and contact your school or virtual school (England) for specific educational support.</p> <p>For further help and advice for fostering please get in touch with <a href="http://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/helplines">our helplines</a> around the UK.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2035" hreflang="en">coronavirus</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2036" hreflang="en">COVID-19</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2037" hreflang="en">school</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1685" hreflang="en">education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1901" hreflang="en">higher education</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11914&amp;2=favourite_content" token="ZBoJdn0_yMaEgB0jiWOFrTiumZAs0F3uxQWytUzXAlA"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11914&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="UL-xewsGKYJLFfbcWciv1_AydrARr8wNvFfDP5-8gb4"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Mon, 23 Mar 2020 09:58:48 +0000 DavidEggboro 11914 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/davideggboro/supporting-learning-during-periods-school-closure-guide-fostering-families#comments Having no support at university would be 'terrifying' https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/davideggboro/having-no-support-university-would-be-terrifying <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Having no support at university would be &#039;terrifying&#039;</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">DavidEggboro</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Thu, 10/17/2019 - 18:39</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>With many care-experienced young people either embarking on their university career or returning for another year, we asked one care-experienced student at Kingston University about how the university's specialist KU Cares programme has supported them.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><h6><strong>Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background</strong></h6> <div>I am a marketing student, graduating in 2019. I was in foster care from the age of five to 18. I have limited family but a great group of friends. I moved 100 miles away from home to Kingston University, so it was a huge change.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>When did you first consider going to university?</h6> <div>I considered university while still at school. I planned to get my grades for college, then join university as this seemed the most logical route for me. I decided I wanted to move away from home after my Barnardo's worker moved to London and informed me of the different work opportunities here.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>Did the KU Cares programme influence your decision to go to university or attend Kingston University in any way?</h6> <div>I was actually unaware of the support the university offers. In my mind going to university seemed very complicated. I was not very prepared and did not read the material given to me as I was too overwhelmed. I feel I should have sought more guidance from my social worker to support me which I overlooked at the time. I am very fortunate in the way things worked out. In retrospect the pastoral care available is a key factor to consider for anyone in my position and Kingston University has met my needs in that regard.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>What is it like being part of the KU Cares programme?</h6> <div>Being in the KU Cares programme was very reassuring and I am very appreciative of it. The best aspect of it for myself was having a single point of contact, otherwise I would have found knowing where to turn to for support intimidating and confusing. During my university experience the staff were incredible and always compassionate.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>Do you feel you have had enough support throughout your university experience (through applying to attending)?</h6> <div>I feel the support I had from Kingston University and its KU Cares scheme was exceptional. I did not use the support prior to attending university. However, I sought a lot of advice from the university when I joined. The staff were also really understanding in helping me take a year out when I needed to and when I returned to my studies.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>Is there anything you feel you could have got more support with?</h6> <div>The process of postponing my studies was long and stressful. It took a long time to process.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>How have you found attending university as a care experienced student?</h6> <div>Although every student has their own struggles, I feel my care background causes a lot of unique challenges which could make me feel quite isolated. Especially as all my friends went home for the summer whereas I couldn’t. The financial support of the university has helped me through very tough situations and I now feel confident to budget by myself.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>If you could change something about the university system for care leavers, what would it be?</h6> <div>To make a system similar to KU Cares compulsory for every university. The thought that other care leavers haven’t had access to this service at other universities is terrifying to me.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>What would you say to other care experienced young people considering applying to university?</h6> <div>I recommend applying to a university with good pastoral care. University is definitely worth the effort, in my opinion. You will meet amazing people and develop your potential. My golden advice would be to make sure you access every service you need and take every opportunity given.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h6>There will be more information on the KU Cares programme in the next edition of our members’ magazine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/dashboard/magazines"><em>Foster Care</em></a>.</h6> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2010" hreflang="en">university</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2011" hreflang="en">post-18</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1901" hreflang="en">higher education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1685" hreflang="en">education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/918" hreflang="en">care leavers</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2012" hreflang="en">support</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11764&amp;2=favourite_content" token="UaQ0NRHLDezOHdz6V56f7zzhV-bv1dzhCCfkZ-ijzuE"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11764&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="TMEpJIF8FSQuWYDmrKnkr2KaNINgwTPbhZTUqc8zzD4"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Thu, 17 Oct 2019 18:39:47 +0000 DavidEggboro 11764 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/davideggboro/having-no-support-university-would-be-terrifying#comments Supporting care leavers in higher education https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/supporting-care-leavers-higher-education <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--blog.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span>Supporting care leavers in higher education</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--blog.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">N B Lakhani</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--blog.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span>Fri, 04/06/2018 - 14:31</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item">Universities across the UK are striving to engage more care leavers with higher education. Here Transitions Team leader at De Montfort University, Melissa Page, explains why this is so important and what her university is seeking to do to reach more care leavers.</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--blog.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>In the UK, care leavers are less likely than their peers to be in higher education at age 19. According to latest <a href="http://www.nnecl.org/resources/moving-on-up-report?topic=guides-and-toolkits">research</a>, the comparison is about 12 per cent against the national average of<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/uploads/melissapagepropel_002.jpg" style="float:left; height:300px; margin:10px; width:220px" /> 40 per cent. Care leavers also have a higher risk of being not in education, employment or training at age 19. The 12 per cent who do enter university may do so through a less traditional route, and are more likely to have delays or restarts within their studies.</p> <p>University could mean some of the best years in a young adult’s life. But without appropriate support, it could also mean social isolation, stress or financial difficulties. All new students worry about how they will fit in and make friends. This is especially the case for care leavers if they have low self-confidence and anxiety around change. Disclosing to others that you are care experienced still carries a fear of stigma for many.</p> <p>Apart from the psychological challenges, it is good to consider the practicalities well in advance – how will the young person manage their money? Where will they want to live during the summer holiday? Do they have a specific learning difference or mental health difficulty? University staff do come across students from a diverse range of backgrounds and will be able to refer to specialist support and counselling where needed.</p> <h3>Tick the box</h3> <p>The good news is that care leavers who do complete their degree are just as likely to achieve a first or upper second class degree as their peers. So what makes for a successful university experience? It helps if a care leaver is identified early in the process. The UCAS application has a tick box to indicate that a student is care experienced. This information is kept confidential but it will allow the institution to offer the student a designated care leaver contact and any additional support, such as a bursary.</p> <p>De Montfort University has been offering a care leaver package of support for more than ten years. As with anything, the best service happens when all stakeholders speak to each other and work together to know the young person. Every year in May De Montfort University&nbsp;also invites foster carers, personal advisors and anyone supporting children in care to <a href="https://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/events/events-calendar/2018/may/rough-guide-to-higher-education.aspx">a free training event</a> on campus. This year’s event is on 15 May. We learn a lot from each other – and despite the serious topic, the event is extremely positive!</p> <h3>What foster carers can do:</h3> <ul> <li> <p>Support the young person in building self-belief.</p> </li> <li> <p>Have open-ended conversations about university from an early age.</p> </li> <li> <p>Attend an Open Day together.</p> </li> <li> <p>Look out for summer activities on campus for younger pupils.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ask about student finance, bursaries and scholarships available.</p> </li> <li>Do not influence the course choice – instead direct the young person to professional careers guidance.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For enquiries about the De Montfort University training event, contact <a href="mailto:transitions@dmu.ac.uk">transitions@dmu.ac.uk</a> or 0116 2577605.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-blog-tags--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-blog-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1901" hreflang="en">higher education</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1979" hreflang="en">tick the box</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="flag.link_builder:build" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11223&amp;2=favourite_content" token="g7OF4zl3FPbpIUF9H2pHR_OXi-_DKsuDj87qKQEerdU"></drupal-render-placeholder> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-comment--blog.html.twig * field--node--field-comment.html.twig * field--node--blog.html.twig * field--field-comment.html.twig x field--comment.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> <section> <h2>Add new comment</h2> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderForm" arguments="0=node&amp;1=11223&amp;2=field_comment&amp;3=comment" token="X_-jAmvjfholFNKMW3uRnjIbcrZbIfxHNqYunOLLZQE"></drupal-render-placeholder> </section> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/comment/templates/field--comment.html.twig' --> Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:31:24 +0000 N B Lakhani 11223 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/blogs/n-b-lakhani/supporting-care-leavers-higher-education#comments