Children in Care: Educational Outcomes

Helen Hayes, the Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Janet Daby, what steps the government is taking to improve educational outcomes for (a) children in social care and (b) other care-experienced young people. In her response, Minister Daby acknowledged the work that Helen Hayes has done in advocating for children in social care. She stated that the government will champion the ambitions of all children and ensure that background is no barrier to success. Daby mentioned that the upcoming children's wellbeing bill will set out plans to raise standards for all children in social care and ensure they are supported to thrive. Helen Hayes followed up by highlighting the significant disparity in university dropout rates, with 38% of care-experienced students dropping out compared to just 6% of non-care-experienced students. She asked what steps the Minister is taking to ensure a consistent package of support for care-experienced students at every university, to help them overcome the barriers they often face and feel welcome and able to thrive. Minister Daby acknowledged the passion in Helen Hayes' question and stated that she had recently spoken to a children and young people's advisory group who shared the challenges they face at university, including not even being informed about the option of university. Daby reiterated the government's commitment to providing the best university experience for care leavers, as access to higher education should be based on ability and attainment, not background. She noted that the previous government could have done more, and that there is still much work to be done to address the persistent gaps in access and positive outcomes for care-experienced young people. Daby mentioned that the government has issued guidance to universities on supporting care-experienced young people and introduced statutory financial support, including a £2,000 bursary, but acknowledged that more needs to be done after 14 years of insufficient action.