The significant educational under achievement of children in care (CIC) has been recognised historically and nationally as a source of considerable concern. Research confirms that the educational difficulties they face can have a direct impact on their levels of attainment and achievement, future employment prospects, propensity to become homeless and likelihood of entering the criminal justice system.
The term 'In Care' refers to children in public care, placed with foster carers, in residential homes or with parents or other relatives. Some young people who are unaccompanied asylum seekers may also be in public care. Many nurseries, pre school, school and other educational settings will have children who are looked after by a local authority on their roll.
The impact of the possible trauma suffered by children entering the care system, and the effect this may have on their ability to learn, has been well documented. Additionally, other factors impacting are instability, compromised access to education, low expectations and lack of support for learning.
The Support for Looked After Learners Service (S4LAL) works with West Sussex children in care, foster carers, residential workers, social workers, schools and other staff. Our aim is to support access to full time educational placements and raise the educational achievement for looked after learners.