09 July 2010
University awarded for work with care leaver students
The University of Sheffield has been commended for its work with young people from a care background and the support it gives to these students during their time at school and college and once they are in Higher Education.
The Quality Mark Award from the Frank Buttle Trust, a charity which supports children and young people in care, was received by the University following a recent evaluation.
Areas assessed included the outreach and support provided to prospective students, structural support for Undergraduates in areas of accommodation and finance, future developments in these areas for the University and evaluating the University´s commitment to helping students from a care background.
Developments undertaken by the University include hands on outreach workshops for young people in care, developing links with regional agencies which work with young people in care, raising the awareness of support available to students from a care background and offering a care leaver bursary to students who fit the University´s criteria.
David Shepherd, a trustee of the Frank Buttle Trust, spent a day at the University meeting senior and operational staff involved in assisting looked after children and care leaver students, along with external stakeholders and some students themselves. Following the assessment the University´s work was judged to be `exemplary´ and the charity endorsed the mark for another three years, having received the award for the first time in 2007.
The award coincided with two local authority achievement ceremonies, in which the University sponsored the Power of People Award 2010 to recognise a young person in care who has demonstrated ability, motivation and commitment to fulfill their potential and succeed in their goals. The winner of the Doncaster Power of the People award, Henri Price, was presented with the award by David Broomby, Outreach Activities Officer at the University. The winner of the Rotherham Power of People Award was Malek Al-Bayrak, who has just completed a Social Work degree at the University, achieving a 2:1.
Professor Paul White, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at the University, said: "The University of Sheffield is committed to the principle that anyone with the ability and potential to succeed on our degree programmes should have the opportunity to study with us. Young people from a care background have had particularly low participation rates in Higher Education in the past, and I am delighted that the Frank Buttle Trust has recognised what we have done to try to improve that situation."
Julie Askew, Outreach Projects Manager at the University, said: "We are delighted to retain the Frank Buttle Quality Mark which recognises our ongoing commitment to looked after children and care leavers. We will continue in the coming years to focus upon the needs of this important group of young people and to support them throughout their student journey."
Ian Munton, Student Support Co-ordinator at the University, said: "Within the Student Services Department we have two members of staff who are designated to offer support, advice and information to care leavers both prior to their arrival and throughout their time with us in Sheffield.
"As well as supporting students through their student experience we work closely with Local Authorities and other agencies to ensure a smooth transition to the University and to make sure that the student is well supported whilst they are studying and living here." Notes for Editors: The Frank Buttle Trust is a registered charity, founded in 1953, which helps children and young people in serious need. It provides grants and support to meet the needs of children and young people whose health, development, or safety is at risk.
The Trust has worked alongside University UK, Guild HE, the Association of Colleges and Association of Managers of Student Services in Higher Education to develop a statement of commitment to support care leavers in the sector. Supported by HEFCE, it provides a charter through which institutions can demonstrate their commitment to care leavers.
76 institutions across the country have received the Quality Mark award by providing evidence of plans to improve their systems, services, policies and practices to help children in care aspire to, access and progress through higher education.
For further information please contact: Kyle Christie, Media Relations Assistant, on 0114 2229852 or email k.christie@sheffield.ac.uk
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