Developing the engagement, retention and success of Care Leavers Mike Hill Director of Academic Development Jayne Clanfield Education Liaison Manager Emily Butters Widening Participation Project Manager

Context Quality Mark since 2006 Numbers: identified Care Leavers identified Care Leavers Numbers by year group Academic Year of Care LeaversNumbers Postgraduate2

Our work with Care Leavers Guidance and support during the application process Course preparation activities, including a summer school and enhanced induction On-course support Single point of contact for advice 365 day accommodation if required Bursary of £1500pa for Care Leavers and Foyer residents Priority for either the National or Kingston Scholarships

Care Leaver engagement at the University Our support is to encourage Care Leavers to engage with the University and the opportunities that are provided. Successful engagement within:  the course  personal tutor  extra-curricular activities

The challenges Isolation Care Leavers often remain in the accommodation provided by their LA, this often means significant commutes and students living on their own, which is very different from the usual student living set-up and can lead to isolation and disengagement with the University. Misplaced expectations Care Leavers often struggle to form relationships with academic staff, and find the style of teaching difficult. Managing expectations can often be challenging. Disclosure of information Care Leavers often don’t wish to disclose their background in the University, outside of support services (eg tutors and friends). Development of our support We are not confident about how to talk about the detailed issues and how to address them.

Care Leaver Learning Community Why did we create it? To enhance our current support package and raise our awareness and understanding of Care Leavers needs. To provide formal opportunities for Care Leavers to inform us how to support them better. Informal peer support Provide developmental opportunities for our Care Leavers and paid work opportunities Support their engagement with us and the University in general Support their employability (development of skills and identification of opportunities) Provide increased provision for new Care Leavers coming into the University

Care Leaver Learning Community What is it? A community in the first instance which we will be enhanced through the use of technology. Built in collaboration with Care Leavers currently studying at the University or have recently graduated. Something that our Care Leavers will take ownership of; - develop in accordance with their own experiences - to help remove the barriers for incoming Care Leaver students. Something we hope to expand on from school through to post graduation and employment.

Care Leaver Learning Community How? We have offered this opportunity to all current Care Leaver students at the University and those graduates that are struggling to find employment. We have run 4 workshops in total introducing the project and seeking engagement From workshop 2 we are beginning to develop the online platform and use the students and their individual specialisms to support this.

Extract from worksheet 3 1. What is the single biggest question you had coming into uni that still hasn't been answered? 2. If there was one thing you could advise other care leavers about succeeding at uni, what would it be? 3. Do you think that there are issues and concerns that you have that your non-care peers wouldn't really understand 4. What technology do you think the uni is missing that would make your life easier? 5. What do you think your faculty is missing in terms of support? 6. Do you find it easier to ask someone you know, someone who knows or look it up. If you had to put them in order?

Small group work In groups of 5 or 6, for each of the following questions discuss what you think might be the most common responses. 1.What is the single biggest question you had coming into uni that still hasn't been answered? 2.If there was one thing you could advise other care leavers about succeeding at uni, what would it be? 3.Do you think that there are issues and concerns that you have that your non-care peers wouldn't really understand?

Small group work 1.What is the single biggest question you had coming into uni that still hasn't been answered? How different will life after graduation be compared to student life? What support will I receive as a Care Leaver once I have graduated? What next after my degree? How do I prepare? What is the best way of contacting academic staff and actually getting a response? My future, what kind of job can I get, who I am and what’s my ability How can I improve my life chances? How to get connected for my career development

Small group work 2. If there was one thing you could advise other care leavers about succeeding at uni, what would it be? Stay focused and never give up Aim high- believe in yourself and what you can achieve Make yourself aware of all of the support that your uni offers both financial and personal Seek help when you need it Have a clear plan. Don’t let your past affect your future Study hard Choose friends that will have a good influence on your studies and social life Learn how to be independent

Small group work 3. Do you think that there are issues and concerns that you have that your non-care peers wouldn't really understand? Not having parents to support you financially Having to do everything myself. I feel a lot more mature than them There are things that we will have been through that are hard to explain Being able to be who I really am- without the concern of being laughed at Accommodation over the summer- we don’t have parents houses to go home to Despite being in care I still have family problems that they might not experience Local Authorities who provide financial support but who are difficult to get hold of when I have questions

Care Leaver Learning Community Future developments Providing employability advice and information on placements and internships Mentoring programme for prospective Care Leaver students and Looked After Children. Development of the community guided by participating students. Continuing to improve our relationship with Care Leavers and the support that we offer. Staff development- raising our awareness and knowledge.

Contact Details Jayne Clanfield Education Liaison Manager E: T: Emily Butters Widening Participation Project Manager E: T: Michael Hill Director of Academic Development E: T: