1. Improving the knowledge and support of Care Leavers in Higher Education Using statistics from HESA and the DFE to improve services that support Care Leavers into Higher Education. Carla Cordner - QSTEP Education Research Intern Carrie Wilson - Care Leavers Association

2. About the research Analysis of statistical data of Care Leavers in Higher Education (HESA and DFE) Raising awareness of issues and understanding of the support needed for Care Leavers wishing to enter HE Creating guidance around the gaps in support and monitoring for Care Leavers A Care Leaver perspective

3. Data Sets HESA provided us with data regarding Care Leavers who have completed their first year of study in 2014. *Second year of study not available till Feb 2016 including new 1 st years of 2014/15. Variables requested: HE Provider, Care Leaver marker, Principle subject, Level of Study, Sex, Age

4. The initial look at the HESA Data

5. Age groups of Care Leavers in HE - HESA Data

6. Course Choice - Top 6

7. Comparison of ages and course choice

8. Sex and Studying in HE

9. Sex and Course Choice

10. Comparison of ages and sex

11. Department for Education Children Looked After by Local Authorities in England (including adoption and care leavers) - year ending 31 March 2014 SFR 36/2014

12. Department for Education Collected from 152 Local Authorities Age of Care Leavers in data 19, 20 & 21 Collect the main activity

20. Excluded data 679 - age 18 499 - age 22-25 709 - age 26+ Total – 1887 The government do not include these figures into their data analysis.

21. Survey (CLs) 64.3% was not involved in any events held by HE institution 33.9% did not receive information/guidance about support available 39.8% received advice after enrolement 39.3% did not receive financial help from university 64.2% said it was from medium - hard to find information available for CLs held by the HE institution.

22. Survey (CLs) 41.1% CLs did not receive support from LA while studying 53.6% did not know that you can reopen your case if you enter education/training up to 25.

23. Recommendations from CLs More awareness in universities of CL’s One-to-one support from LA and universities Better administration on CLs

24. For universities and colleges to have a designated care experienced person who can be the go-to person for young people in care and care leavers when going into Higher Education. Help to fill out forms etc. Making all relevant info readily available and as transparent/ open like normal info for non- care leavers however more than just a mere few lines

25. More support around child care Mentoring before entering university A major improvement would be Care Leavers getting more support from their Local Authority and to be guided better. We don't have the luxury of having families to help us out when we need it. If it wasn't for the Care Leavers association I wouldn't be at university now.

26. Better housing support during summer period Support based on individual circumstances Funding foster parents during application process for HE. (those living with Foster Carers) More support after the end of university Mental health support

27. Outreach support More summer school activities involving course choice

28. Questions?

29. Contact details Carla - education@careleavers.comeducation@careleavers.com Carrie - carrie.wilson@careleavers.com carrie.wilson@careleavers.com Jade - jade.ward@york.ac.ukjade.ward@york.ac.uk