Raising the aspirations of care leavers

An MP has heaped praise on Teesside University and said it deserves national recognition for the work it does to encourage more care leavers and looked after children to aspire towards higher education.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham was speaking at the second annual Raising Aspirations for Young People in Care conference held at Teesside University, which was attended by over 100 foster carers, social workers, teachers and support professionals to discuss ways of working together to support progression in education.

He stressed it is vital all young people are given the same educational opportunities to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background and lamented the fact just 6% of people from care backgrounds go on to higher education but 45% would like to.

Mr Cunningham said: 'It is important that we work together to make sure that looked-after children have the same educational opportunities as other children, including further and higher education.

'By taking a joined-up approach to care and support, involving care givers from all areas of a young person’s life, we stand to be able to maximise the level of educational attainment looked-after children achieve.

'It is important that looked-after children are not written off simply because of their background. Instead, our aim should be to support these young people and to give them the tools they need to make good progress and achieve their aspirations.'

The conference also welcomed representatives from the Care Leavers Association, Fostering Network and the British Association for Fostering and Adoption who took part in a debate, networking and workshops with attendees.

Mr Cunningham described Teesside University as an institution that positively shapes the lives of his constituents.

He added: 'It is great to see that higher education institutions such as Teesside University are getting involved in establishing networks of care givers throughout the Tees Valley to promote this joined-up approach and provide a forum for care givers to raise issues and discuss positive solutions.'

Abbie English, Recruitment Officer at Teesside University who organised the event, said: 'Teesside University is an inclusive organisation that believes passionately in widening participation.

'Having a diverse population that is supported, enabled and empowered is vital for this institution. We were delighted to welcome so many support professions to the University to discuss ways of working together moving forward to raise the aspirations of care leavers.'

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