Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she will consider the merits of making one-to-one mentoring a statutory right for children in care & care leavers.

The department recognises the value of mentoring in helping young people build supportive relationships, confidence, self-belief and the skills needed for education, employment and later life.

Mentoring for children in care and care leavers is supported through departmental initiatives such as the Family Finding, Befriending and Mentoring programme, which helps young people develop relationships and build key skills.

Looked-after children attract pupil premium plus funding. This funding supports evidence-based interventions to improve educational attainment and wider educational outcomes, including one-to-one tutoring, enrichment activities and mentoring.

Under the Children Act 1989, looked-after children are entitled to an independent visitor, who provides friendship, support and opportunities to develop skills and trusted relationships.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has also announced £10 million for creative mentoring for care-experienced young people, providing one-to-one support from creative practitioners.

The department continues to keep the role of mentoring, including any legislative implications, under review.