Raising aspirations for care-experienced children
UK
Hub For Success ran a project training teachers and educators in Edinburgh to support Care Experienced Young People, which proved so successful we have funded further work to scale it up.
Through the project, education and teaching staff have transformed the way that they think of themselves, from educators to being an active part of the care system for young people.
BFSS funded Hub for Success with £45,000 for a one-year pilot project which also gave tailored support to young people in six schools in Edinburgh; and promoted peer to peer learning and support. Support for young people focused on 295 children in their final year of primary school, and aimed to raise aspirations and convey the message that college and university are for everyone.
The project explored the children’s transition to secondary school and the new subjects on offer there; considered their talents and interests linking them to courses and careers; and helped them consider the adults who could support them. Care-experienced Student Ambassadors shared their own learning journey, and children visited campuses to demystify and embed what they had learned.
Impact
By the end of the pilot, 71% of teachers were at least somewhat aware of care experience. 100% of teachers said the programme generated discussion among pupils about their aspirations; that Care-Experienced student ambassadors added value; and pupils benefitted from visits to campuses.
Based on their successful pilot, Hub for Success have upscaled their approach to work with 91 new schools across Edinburgh.
“The care experienced pupils in my class feel confident that HE is for them now.” Teacher, Dean Park Primary School.