Charity urges action on education gap

The next government should pledge to close the gap in
educational achievement between looked-after children and other
pupils by 2020, says children’s charity NCH.

In a paper published last week, the charity called for financial
incentives for councils that meet the educational needs of
looked-after children and sanctions for those that do not.

It says councils should perform their duties as corporate parents
as seriously as any other parent, ensuring looked-after children
have access to educational resources out of school and providing
financial incentives to schools which admit children in care.

The charity urges social workers to develop a better understanding
of the positive impact of education and foster carers should be
trained in supporting children’s achievement.

In 2004, only 6 per cent of children in care gained five or more
GCSEs, compared with more than half of all pupils, according to
official figures.

• Close the Gap at www.mental
  health.org.uk/html/content/Election_release_April_05.pdf