The educational experiences of looked after children: the views of young people in two London boroughs

Research has consistently reported on the inadequate educational experiences and attainment of looked after children (DfE, 2013), with many authors drawing associations between academic performance and educational and life outcomes. Much of the research relating to looked after children and education is exclusively concerned with schooling up to 16. Few studies have explored the views and educational experiences of young people post compulsory education. In relation to education previous research has highlighted the importance of relationships, high expectations, support, encouragement and stability of care. This current thesis adopted a participatory approach (Shier, 2001, Holland, Renold, Ross and Hillman, 2010), which highlighted the value of seeking the views and gaining an insight into the experiences of young people, at the end of care and care leavers. Ten young people between the ages of 16-24 were interviewed using semi structured interviews. The findings of the study largely reflect the current literature, with the following main themes identified: Personal characteristics, responses to life events, supportive contexts, and negotiating challenging systems. Implications for educational psychologists, wider service delivery and research implications are reported.