Responding to the statement made by the Welsh Government, Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales, Dr Emily Warren, director of The Fostering Network Wales, said:

 

“Education is the bedrock that we build our country on, and so we must ensure that all children are fully prepared for adulthood and independence. Even one young person leaving care without the skills and qualifications to build their own future is not good enough. We are delighted that in the past four years the numbers of young people leaving care not in education, employment or training has been lowered from 51 per cent to 45 per cent, but there is much further to go with young people and the Government on this journey.

 

“Society has a responsibility to provide appropriate and tailored support for looked-after-children so that they can use their skills and their knowledge to flourish and grow to be valuable members of our inclusive society. Foster carers have a role as “first educators” of the children in their care, and we will continue to work with them so that they are fully able to support and encourage these children to get all they can from the educational and vocational opportunities provided for them.

 

“We will be responding to the Government’s consultation, Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales, and we look forward to working with the Government on enabling young people to create positive futures and to help them not fall into a cycle of care.”

 

You can find out more information about the consultation, and respond to it, on the Welsh Government website.