§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he proposes to take to ensure that the educational needs of young people in care are addressed with particular reference to(a) the effects of a disrupted education, (b) facilities for homework and (c) access to and support in (i) further education and (ii) higher education. [10816]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisWe are developing with the Local Government Association guidance to local education authorities on behaviour support plans which will make specific reference to look after young people. We are supporting research for the Who Cares? Trust and Calouste-Gulbenkian Foundation, which will expand knowledge of good practice in the education of these young people.
We are aware of the difficulty for some children when their home environment militates against the completion of homework tasks. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has issued a White Paper—"The People's Lottery"—which sets out proposals for the use of midweek lottery funds to support out-of-school-hours activities including homework clubs. These clubs will provide a place and adult support to help pupils complete homework tasks.
All 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in full-time education or employment are guaranteed the offer of a suitable youth training place if they want one. This guarantee is extended to 18-year-olds and over who have been prevented from completing or taking up YT due to specific circumstances, one of which is if they have been prevented from accessing training as a result of a care order.
54WTwo partnership projects under the new start strategy to be introduced in England in September 1997 to drive up participation and motivation of disaffected young people in learning will target looked after children and care leavers.
It is for individual higher education institutions to determine their admission policies, taking account of evidence from the schools and colleges on the potential of these young people.