Looked After Children and Care Leavers

Further education and apprenticeships

Prior to entry into College you will be invited to College for visits and additional College taster sessions.

You may also have meetings arranged with key people to complete initial academic and non-academic assessments, which may include specialist support assessment and liaison with the following:

• Your social worker
• Your home
• Your carers
• Virtual high schools
• Your Personal Assistants (PA)
   

Upon entry to the College you will have access to all of the appropriate support from a dedicated team and a named key person, who will keep in contact with you throughout your college journey.

While at College you have access to:

• Up to £1,200 worth of funding (which could include a travel pass and bursary) and free meals if you're in care or receiving certain benefits (eligibility applies)
• Contact and link established with your external support, e.g. home, carers, social worker etc.
• Action planning to ensure clear expectations of course requirements and a structured Careers interview
• Ongoing support, tailored to you individual needs
• Referral and link to specialist internal and external support as required

Aged 16-24 and starting an apprenticeship?

As a care leaver, starting an apprenticeship, you will be able to apply for a bursary which is currently £3000. This is paid in instalments over the first year of the apprenticeship.

This will be discussed as part of the financial appointment at the signup meeting for your apprenticeship.

Read the Government Guidance for more information.
 

Higher Education - SUCCEED

SUCCEED is specifically for Care Leavers, carers and students who do not have contact with their families, who are studying at degree level.

Through SUCCEED, these students can access:

• £1,000 bursary for each year of study
• Dedicated Higher Education Learning Mentor offering ongoing support
• Regular one-to-one study skills and/or wellbeing sessions
• Other College services on a priority basis
   

For more information about SUCCEED contact our SUCCEED Team.

Email: succeed@blackpool.ac.uk
 

Care Leaver Covenant

The Covenant is a promise made by private, public or voluntary organisations to provide support for care leavers aged 16-25 to help them to live independently.

Read more about B&FC's commitment to the care leaver covenant.