Improved access to independent schools for children in care

Children growing up in care will have more opportunity to gain places at the top private schools, as well as mentoring and access to sports and music facilities, as part of a government drive to improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi is expected to announce the ambition in a speech today (4 July) at the Association of Directors of Children’s Services conference.

Ten teams across the country will bring together schools, local authorities, virtual school heads and social workers to help find suitable places for children in care.

The new programme, backed by £500,000, aims to improve access to the top independent schools and builds on Minister Zahawi’s commitment to see as many as 1,000 independent schools involved in schemes that offer opportunities to children in care.

Minister Nadhim Zahawi will also call on Directors of Children’s Services to drive forward the programme and engage with the new teams, to make sure councils can identify children who could benefit quickly when private schools set out offers of support.

Independent schools will also provide sporting and music facilities for looked after children, to help harness specific aspirations or talents, such as swimming or music, to help boost opportunities, outcomes and aspirations for these young people.