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Northern Ireland celebrates success of scheme to boost education of fostered children

31 January 2007

The Fostering Network Northern Ireland and Include Youth are to celebrate the success of a Government-funded initiative to improve the educational achievement of fostered children, at an event to be held in Belfast, on Monday 5 February 2007.

The Fostering Achievement scheme was launched in September 2006, following concern that children and young people in foster care struggled to achieve at school. In 2003 only 11 per cent of those leaving care in the UK had achieved five or more GCSEs (grades A* to C), compared with 59 per cent of all school leavers. Over half of all care leavers had no qualifications.

Only months later, anecdotal evidence suggests this pioneering scheme is already improving the lives of over half the children in foster care in Northern Ireland and those managing the project are keen to promote the initiative to other professionals.

Fostering Achievement provides funding for extra tuition, IT equipment, arts materials and extra-curricular activities and aims to give children in foster care the same type of support that those who live with their own families might receive.

The project also recognises that foster carers hold the key to helping fostered children reach their educational potential. Foster carers participating in the project have received practical support, training and tuition, for example training to improve upon computer skills and internet safety, as well as workshops on how the education system works.

Kate Lewis, director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland, said: "Education is the passport to better chances in life. For too long children in care have not been given the same opportunities and levels of support as those who live with their own families. The Fostering Achievement scheme has changed this. It has had a massive impact on the lives of both foster carers and the children they care for.

"In just four months the scheme has helped 665 foster families and provided them with a range of services and resources that others may take for granted. From speaking to many of families involved, I have heard first hand how the scheme has helped children improve academically and equally important their confidence and self-esteem has grown. It has also empowered foster carers by giving them the tools to engage with the education system."

Lynne, a foster carer said: "I currently foster two boys and the through the Fostering Achievement scheme we are due to receive a computer which will help the boys immensely with their school work.

The boys have also received drama lessons and their teacher says they have really excelled in the group. I have really noticed a difference in the boys over the past few months, they appear more confident and their self-esteem has really been boosted."

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For media enquiries or to attend the event on 5 February call 020 7620 6437/16 or email media@fostering.net.

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Notes to Editors

  1. Foster carers and young people who have benefited from the Fostering Achievement scheme are available to interview and photograph in advance.
  2. The event for Fostering Achievement event will take place at Children In Northern Ireland, 40 Montgomery Road, Belfast on Monday 5 February from 11.15am to 1.30pm.
  3. The scheme is funded by a £1.04 million grant as part of the Children and Young People Funding Package. Foster carers can apply for financial credits for fostered children between the ages of four and 17 who have been in care for six months or more. These credits can be used to buy equipment and tuition which will help a child's educational, personal or social development. Formal training and one-to-one coaching, training and support are also available to foster carers; these will be provided by the scheme's development officers. For more information see www.fosteringachievement.net.
  4. There are 2,500 children and young people in the care system on any given day in Northern Ireland, of whom 1,500 are living with foster families.
  5. The Fostering Network is the UK's leading charity for all those involved in fostering, and exists to ensure that fostered children receive the highest standards of care. Include Youth is an independent organisation that actively promotes the best interests of and best practice with young people in need or at risk.