Finding the right Path-Way:

“Managing Transition and Progression Pathways for Care Leavers”

Shane Daniels, Karl Hatfield

Mutty Dad, Dr. Nazira Karodia

Contents

1. The Care Leaver HE Support Cycle

2. Setting the scene and Transition

3. The role of STEM based activities

4. What we do at Bradford

5. “My Story” from current Care Leavers at the University of Bradford,

6. Care Leaver Progression Pathways Toolkit – Discussion.

Outreach

Curriculum

TransitionStudent Support

Alumni Support Care Leaver

HE Progression

Cycle

• In 2006 the University was awarded the Frank Buttle Trust Quality Mark . In June 2009 the Quality Mark was extended for a further three years.

• In 2004 the University had 29 care leavers with only two new enrolments. Since 2004 there has been 91 care leaver students and 24 students have graduated.

• In 2013 nationally there are around 34% of 18 and 19 year olds in higher education, but that figure dwindles to 7% for care leavers. (Who Cares Trust)

Setting the Scene

• Nationally, only 5% of care leavers make it to HE (UK average about 43%)

• 65,520 children were looked after at 31 March 2011, an increase of 2% on 2010 and the highest number since 1987 (Direct.gov 2012)

• Proportion of care leavers nationally who are not in education, employment or training has increased from 32 % in 2010 to 33 % in 2011. (Direct.gov 2012)

Setting the Scene

• In March 2012 the Bradford Looked After population was 896; this included 429 school age children .

• 110 children attending school outside of Bradford and 329 in Bradford schools; 82 post 16 young people

• This compares to 476 who had been in care for one year or more in 2010/11 and represents a fall of a 9.9%.

• 153 pre-school children. It is expected that the numbers will start to increase as these children reach statutory school age. (Bradford Virtual Head 2013)

Setting the Scene

• Care leavers forum meets on 2-3 per year• University Recruitment Group (Recruitment Teams)• Fess and Bursaries group• Accommodation Team • Student Success group

Internal Networks

So what do we deliver @ Bradford?

• Buttle UK – Who Cares Trust • HELOA – National HEI Recruitment network• NorthClass – Regional HEI network • HEART partnership – Local HE/FE partnership• Professional Bodies

External Networks

The role of STEM-based activities

• Raising Aspirations • Raising Support and Awareness • Raising Attainment • Easing Transition • Achieving Success

STEM-based activities

Outreach @ Bradford

• Profile – Advertise and Promote (Access Agreement)• Children’s University • Junior University• STEM@Home• Science Lectures• Activity, Awards and Projects• My Stories – Positive Role Models

Outreach

Curriculum @ Bradford

• Coffee Mornings• Inclusive Curriculum Frameworks• Examination Support and Advice• Learner Development Unit• 3rd / 4th Assessment Attempts• Student Success

Curriculum

Transition @ Bradford

• Partners – Bradford College• Dedicated Adult Learning Advisor• COMPACT Programme and Summer School – (UCAS Points awarded)

• P2L4 and Trans:it• Clearing Advice and Support• Out of Semester Provision• Welcome Activities - Pastoral Support

Transition

Student Support @Bradford

• Prioritised Bursaries and Loans (ALF/NSP)• Support with Childcare• Care Leavers Forum• Designated Member of Staff – Induction - Outduction• Support with Childcare • Year round Student Accommodation• Priority Access to Ambassador Programme• Student as Partners

Student Support

Alumni Support @ Bradford

• Employability Module• Leadership Skills Development Residential• Mentoring Training• Support with Graduation Costs (gown hire)• Graduate Interns

Alumni Support

Shane Hanif Daniels

Karl Richard Hatfield

me aged 8, 1 year into care, I still like sweets.

Soon after this picture was taken I received a letter explaining I was going to stay in care until I turned 18.

I was lucky – I had 1 social worker for 10 years, and 1 foster family for 10 years too – though this ended badly.

University

The Hub Personal Tutors Knowledgable Lecturers The Library. Learner Development Unit The opportunity to be course rep

Financial

Care Leavers Bursary Student Finance Jobshop Ambassador opportunities Student Placements

Personal

The enjoyablity of the course Friend’s made at Uni conversations with “Close minded” people.

I couldn’t have done this without…

…I’m genuinely happy

at 17 I left care and spent Christmas in a bedsit, alone – I realised then that I had to go to university to better myself

At 21 I made it, I got accepted in to Bradford University. I was already settled in a flat so I chose a university within an hour’s train journey from home.

I spent an hour on the platform on my first day, before I got on the train – getting up the courage to get on the train and change my life. Look at me now…

Toolkit Activity

Using the chart provided, what would be your ideal provision/activity that you would like to deliver in each of the key areas of…

• General Outreach Activities• Curriculum • Transition• Student Support• Alumni Support

Contact us…

Thank You for participating

Mr. Mutty Dad: m.dad1@bradford.ac.uk Dr. Nazira Karodia: n.karodia@bradford.ac.uk

Notes