News from BAAF.

Holmes, David

David Holmes writes:

I am delighted that BAAF is publishing this special edition of Adoption & Fostering focusing on education. It is particularly timely as the education of children in care has increasingly become the subject of interest and attention across the UK. For example, in England, the recent Green Paper for children in care, Care Matters (DfES, 2006), contained a raft of new proposals to improve their experience of school. Care Matters highlights once again how educational outcomes for most looked after children are so poor in relation to their peers, and why so much remains to be done in this area.

While welcoming all new ideas that will have a positive impact for children in care, BAAF believes strongly that we must also remember and give due weight to the significant impact of parental influence on achievement. This has been consistently illustrated through educational research over the past 40 years and can risk being overlooked in relation to children in care. Studies have evidenced the impact of high levels of parent participation on the success of schools, how the attitudes of parents are a strong influence on whether children continue their education post-16, and perhaps most significantly, how parents who lack confidence or have had bad experiences themselves can have a negative influence on their child's aspirations.

Sonia Jackson's work has consistently shown the need for carers who take a real interest in education. This is why it is desperately sad when too many children in our care system still say that no one attends their sports days or parents' evenings and that they have never been praised or rewarded for their achievements. The majority of these children are living with foster carers who, as the adults who are most involved in their daily lives, have a tremendous educational role and influence. This does not mean that all foster carers should be highly educated or graduates themselves, but it does mean that they should all be prepared and trained to be 'active parents' who have high expectations and can support children to achieve their full potential.

Therefore I am pleased to announce that in February 2007, with the support of the Esmee Fairbairn and Clore Duffield Trusts, we began a two-year project with foster carers and education professionals in the London Borough of Southwark to develop and pilot new training for foster carers. This training will build upon the success of the Fostering Changes programme but focuses on education, providing information about the school system, practical strategies for helping with reading and homework, and most importantly, encouraging carers to work in partnership with teachers.

We want to make a difference and are excited about this practical new project that has the potential to open the doors to education for all looked after children. I hope you enjoy reading this special edition and that it will inspire you in your own work with children in care.