Reflections from Youth Ambassadors on Enhancing School Support for Care Experienced Young People
Care experienced young people face unique challenges in educational settings, often compounded by their circumstances. To address this, Youth Ambassadors shared their personal reflections during Care Leavers’ Month, highlighting the need for enhanced school support tailored to their experiences.
Insights from Care Experienced Youth Ambassadors
The reflections provide valuable insights into the educational struggles faced by young people in care. Each Ambassador’s story emphasizes the importance of understanding and support from school staff.
Experiences of Tamar
Tamar emphasized the impact of moving frequently on her education. Each move meant adapting to new curriculums and often led to isolation. Despite these challenges, Tamar achieved a significant milestone: acceptance to the University of Oxford. She noted that the lack of additional support from her school left her feeling ‘othered’ during her education. Tamar believes having a designated contact at school would have been beneficial, helping her navigate the complexities of being in foster care.
Chan’s Perspective
For Chan, sports provided a sense of community and leadership amid feelings of disconnection. He expressed frustration over a curriculum that often assumes students come from traditional family structures. His Education Health and Care Plan proved essential in communicating his learning needs to his school. Chan advocates for reasonable learning adjustments to help care experienced students receive necessary support.
Rebecca’s Experience
Rebecca recalled the profound influence of patient teachers during her early education. Despite facing difficulties in processing information, she has thrived, thanks in part to her adoptive parents’ unwavering support. She encourages care experienced individuals to seek help whenever they face challenges, highlighting the importance of sharing their struggles to alleviate feelings of loneliness.
The Need for Supportive School Environments
- Understanding Unique Needs: Schools must recognize the specific challenges faced by care experienced young people.
- Consistent Contact: Having a reliable point of contact can provide necessary guidance and support.
- Curriculum Adjustments: Modifications in teaching methods could enhance learning for those in care.
- A Community of Encouragement: Built through extracurricular activities like sports can foster confidence and connection.
Ultimately, creating supportive environments in schools is essential for helping care experienced youth thrive. Their stories reveal the strengths and resiliency that can flourish when they receive appropriate support and understanding. Listening to their voices is crucial to developing effective educational strategies that address their unique needs.
