Positive Outcomes for Looked After Children

Historically, Looked After Children have under-achieved in many areas - most noticeably in the field of education. Safehouses North - through our association with The National Teaching & Advisory Service (NT&AS) - not only provide children and young people with safe, secure and nurturing family placements but also offer Looked After Children the educational input, support and backup which promotes inclusion and high achievement.

Safehouses North and NT&AS are committed to working to current government targets for Looked After Children and young people. In many areas we significantly exceed the national expectations:

Young people's access to education - The NT&AS meet (and exceed) the targets set in the DfES statutory guidance in accessing education and sustaining existing school placements. All Safehouses North children of school age have currently achieved integration into mainstream education.

Young people's attendance within the education system - In the academic year 2006/07 - 93% of the children placed with Safehouses achieved attendance of more than 91%;  this included 27% of young people who achieved 100% attendance.   This compares very favourably with national figures.

Educational attainment of children and young people placed with Safehouses carers - During the academic year 2006/07, at Key Stage 2 (end of Year 6) 100% of young people placed with Safehouses achieved at least Level 4 in line with national expectations as opposed to only 43% of Looked After Children and 86% of the general population.

At the end of Key Stage 3, end of Year 9, two young people took SATS; one achieved in line with national expectations but the second fell below expected levels (the second young person had Special Educational Needs and large gaps in learning which impacted on his attainment levels.

One young person took GCSEs in 2007;  she achieved Grade C in English and passes in 7 other subjects.

One young person secured a placement at College and is enrolled on a performing arts course.

Development of Social Skills - Safehouses carers work closely with placing authorities and the NT&AS to develop the social skills of the children in their care. They do this by promoting opportunities for them to participate in social and extra-curricular activities and encouraging the growth of independence and personal responsibility. By recognising achievements and providing positive role models, carers help young people to develop a true sense of self-worth and high self-esteem, which in turn promotes resilience in the face of adversity and disadvantage.

Stability of placements - Safehouses North has an excellent record in providing stable placements, with over 50% of the children and young poeple currently in place being on a long term /permanency basis. Disruption of placements over the past 3 years is less than 3%.