NEW statistics published from the Scottish Government show that the educational attainment of young people in care is far below that of other young people. These figures are not a surprise.
Who Cares? Scotland has advocated for care-experienced people for almost 40 years. Access to education has been an issue that young people have raised with us since we opened our doors.
Young people who are in care leave school earlier than everyone else, with fewer qualifications. Perhaps the hardest thing to read in the new report is that promising young people who are moved around see their education crash.
Who Cares? Scotland members tell me that it seems pointless to focus on school when they know that they will be moving on to a new bedroom, a new classroom and a new carer soon enough.
Given how long these figures have been around, it cannot be the fault of individual young people. This is a systemic issue.
Progression after school is limited for young people in care. Some major steps have been taken to get care experienced people to college and university. Care-experienced people will receive a bursary in Scotland rather than a student loan. The University of Strathclyde offers a mentor to every care experienced student who wants one.
These measures, progressive as they are, are not set up to address the fundamental challenge care-experienced people face. The First Minister has called for a root-and-branch review of the care system and I hope the figuress will be considered deeply and honestly.
Our care-experienced members tell me they just want a chance to succeed but feel the challenges are insurmountable. This review is a once-in-a lifetime chance to change their outcomes. It must be grasped.
Jamie Kinlochan,
Who Cares? Scotland,
5 Oswald Street, Glasgow.
AS a former member of the Education Directorate of Strathclyde Region, I have been following the debate surrounding the education reforms with no little interest (“Swinney hits back on ‘rhetorical bidding war’ over school reforms”, The Herald, June 24).
I note the heated discussions surrounding new management structures, increased powers to headteachers and the like but a significant issue in relation to attainment is what happens to the children out with the schools.
How do you optimise the educational experience for children coming from bruised domestic circumstances both financially and emotionally? In short, how do you best educate hungry and tired kids?
Roddy MacDonald,
1 Glenmount Place,
Ayr.
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