The College is committed to providing an exceptional level of support to young people from looked-after backgrounds, and we have signed up to the ‘Post-16 Young People in Care and Care Leavers Support Partnership Agreement - West Midlands’. The Agreement expresses our commitment to work together with our partners (and other local authorities) to ensure that young people in care, and care leavers, achieve the best possible outcomes in post-16 education and training.
We understand that many of these young people face significant challenges in education and can be the most vulnerable of students, and therefore we aim to provide an enhanced level of support which is personalised, and tailored to meet individual needs and requirements.
Support we offer to students:
- A one-to-one guided tour of the campus and facilities & bespoke enrolment process
Entering a new environment can be daunting, so to help reduce barriers and help to lower anxiety, we can offer a one-to-one guided tour of the site/s and individually introduce the young person to Staff who will be working alongside them on their course. The enrolment process can be adapted to the young person’s needs, for example we can enrol individually at quiet times, or provide support for the young person during the enrolment session.
- A designated teacher (DT) who will work closely the young person and with Staff and other Agencies involved in their support and care
Upon disclosure of looked-after or care-leaver status, the young person will be introduced to a DT, who will provide support and guidance throughout their time in the College.
Sue Croxon is the DT and first point of contact for young people who are in local authority care, care leavers, carers and local authorities. She will arrange meetings pre and post enrolment (as required) to help ensure a smooth transition, and monitor the young person’s progress, providing advice and guidance as required, throughout the course. - Support with applications for relevant financial support
There is a range of bursaries available to qualifying students, who will be supported to apply for whichever is applicable. Further guidance on financial support is available from the DT and/or Student Services.
- Careers Guidance and Course Advice
Ensuring that the right people are on the right course is important, and we provide accurate and up-to-date information, advice and guidance to help young people and their carers to make well-informed decisions on courses and future plans.
Services provided to Local Authorities:
- Single point of contact
Having a single point of contact will benefit local authorities by making it clear who they can liaise with in respect of looked-after young people and care leavers. The DT will request information to support the young person’s claim for financial support, and discuss any safeguarding matters and medical or learning support needs.
- Updates on progress, attendance and achievements
We can provide regular updates, arrange PEP meetings and either attend or provide reports for LAC Review meetings as required. In addition we will contact social workers to discuss issues and/or request a meeting if the need arises during the course.
Who to contact
You can contact Sue Croxon directly on 01743 342345 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.