Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Janet Daby and Helen Hayes

Monday 9th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab)]

14. What steps she is taking to help improve educational outcomes for (a) children in social care and (b) other care-experienced young people.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)]

I thank my hon. Friend for all the work that she has done in standing up for children in social care in recent years. We will champion the ambitions of all children and ensure that background is no barrier to success. In our children’s wellbeing Bill, we will set out our plans to raise standards for all children in social care and will ensure that they are supported to thrive.

[Helen Hayes]

The drop-out rate from university for care-experienced students is 38%, compared with just 6% for non-care-experienced young people. As thousands of students are arriving at university for the first time this week, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that there is a consistent package of support for care-experienced students at every university to help them overcome the barriers that they too often face, and to ensure that university is a place where they feel welcome and can thrive?