Raising aspirations for care-experienced children

BFSS funded Hub for Success with £45,000 for a one-year pilot project which also gave tailored support to young people in six schools in Edinburgh; and promoted peer to peer learning and support. Support for young people focused on 295 children in their final year of primary school, and aimed to raise aspirations and convey the message that college and university are for everyone.

The project explored the children’s transition to secondary school and the new subjects on offer there; considered their talents and interests linking them to courses and careers; and helped them consider the adults who could support them. Care-experienced Student Ambassadors shared their own learning journey, and children visited campuses to demystify and embed what they had learned.

Impact

By the end of the pilot, 71% of teachers were at least somewhat aware of care experience. 100% of teachers said the programme generated discussion among pupils about their aspirations; that Care-Experienced student ambassadors added value; and pupils benefitted from visits to campuses.

Based on their successful pilot, Hub for Success have upscaled their approach to work with 91 new schools across Edinburgh.

“The care experienced pupils in my class feel confident that HE is for them now.” Teacher, Dean Park Primary School.