Care Leaver Covenant
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Care leaver covenant
Go Higher West Yorkshire’s (GHWY) collaborative Care Leaver Covenant has been updated for 2023-24. The e-resource, which was originally launched in 2017, demonstrates the ongoing commitment to care-experienced people shown by our 13 Higher Education (HE) members. Updated annually, it brings together all the support, information, and top tips offered by our members in a single, easy to navigate document.
View Resources
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Care leaver covenant 2023-24
pdf (3.83 MB)
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Support provided by our Higher Education Providers
Bradford College
Getting to higher education
Our care leaver page explains our offer of bespoke campus visits, provides an introduction to teaching staff and guidance and support with application submission.
There is information on bursary schemes and year round accommodation and support services such as counselling.
URL https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/care-leavers
Application support
1-1 guidance to complete application – The Student Welfare Advisor at Bradford College will provide support through number of methods including face to face meetings, via email and telephone in order to assist the student with the application process.
Support with eligibility queries – Support with eligibility queries available, for example, academic entry requirements, advanced prior learning, criminal record.
URL https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/enrolments/queries
Consideration of contextual information
Contextual information can be reviewed on a case by case basis. Bradford College recognise Care Leavers and Children Looked After as individuals that may require additional support in accessing specific course provision. In these cases the Student Welfare Advisor will advocate on their behalf and liaise directly with the relevant department(s) in order for the applicant to be accepted on to the most appropriate course.
Succeeding in higher education
1-1 staff support – Students are offered bespoke 1-1 support from the student welfare advisor.
Mental health support – Students are offered support with their mental health support, including access to a counselling service.
URL https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/student-support/student-guidance
Named contact for care leaver students
At Bradford College, the same named contact is available to both FE and HE students at Bradford College, which enables smoother internal transition from FE to HE. For external progression into HE the Named Contact will draw on their links through NorthCLASS (Northern England Care Leaver Activities & Student Support) network in order for students to be aware of the named contact at their next institution.
Pre-entry contact – Name: Rachel Bradbury (Wellbeing Officer)
Email: r.bradbury@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
Post-entry contact – Name: Rachel Bradbury (Wellbeing Officer)
Email: r.bradbury@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
Year round accommodation
Bradford College offers accommodation through UNIPOL and has an arrangement that allows Care Leavers to access this for the full calendar year. Emergency accommodation is also available.
URL https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/accommodation
Additional financial support
Bursary – At Bradford College, children looked after and care leavers in Further Education aged 16 – 18 would usually qualify for the premium bursary of £1200 for the academic year. Higher Education students receive a bursary of £1500 for the academic year. The Student Welfare Advisor will regularly negotiate with the Student Finance Teams in order to provide additional financial support if and when required.
Budgeting support – Support with budgeting can be accessed through the Student Welfare Advisor.
Free/discounted goods – Free goods are available in the form of notebooks, stationary (and art materials if required).
URL https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/study/university-centre/study-money
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Face to face training – and communication with departments who hold high numbers of care experienced students e.g. ESOL and Access to FE.
Conferences/events – Bradford College is committed to raising awareness of Children Looked After and Care Leavers and we do so by organising numerous events throughout the year in partnership with the Care Leavers Association, the Local Authority and the University of Bradford.
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Bespoke graduate opportunities – The Named Contact shares any opportunities that are available for Care Leavers such as those offered by the Learning and Work Institute.
Bespoke employability support – Bradford College offers an impartial careers guidance service for all students and the general public. The Named Contact will refer all students to this service if and when needed.
URL https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student-services/student-support/careers-advice
University of Bradford
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Experiences on campus
Campus Tours – Care leavers can receive one-to-one visits to the University with our Care Leavers Adviser, who will offer mentoring, personal guidance, campus tours, arrange meetings with academics, University Student Finance advisors and accommodation viewings.
Application support
Contextual admissions
Succeeding in higher education
NNECL Quality mark
As members of the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) we continue to champion opportunities for care experienced students and improve access to, success in, and progression from higher education.
Wellbeing support
Named contact for care leaver students
Year round accommodation
Support with the transition to higher education
Additional financial support
Face-to-face training
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Calderdale College
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated web page contains details of our offer, key contacts and links to further care leaver information from Go Higher West Yorkshire.
URL: https://www.calderdale.ac.uk/advice/care-leavers/
Experiences on campus
We are able to offer bespoke opportunities to visit our campus on request. Contact Kirsty Sanderson (kirsty.sanderson@calderdale.ac.uk) for more details.
Subject taster sessions: Available on request.
Campus tour: Available on request.
Application support
1-1 guidance to complete application: Calderdale College provide Care Leavers with additional support information around funding applications (e.g. proving status for independent assessment for Student Finance England).
Support with eligibility queries: Available via the student outreach team. Contact Kirsty Sanderson (kirsty.sanderson@calderdale.ac.uk) for more details.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
At Calderdale College, support staff identify care leavers from their enrollment form and make contact to offer support throughout their studies.
1-1 support: 1-1 support is available from the named care leaver contact. Contact Charmaine Stanislaus (Charmaine.stanislaus@calderdale.ac.uk) for more details.
Mental health support: Support for your mental health and counselling services can be accessed via the Advice and Guidance team.
URL: www.calderdale.ac.uk/advice/
Named contact for care leaver students
Pre-entry contact: If you have any queries before you apply, please contact Contact Kirsty Sanderson (kirsty.sanderson@calderdale.ac.uk).
Post-entry contact: The dedicated contact for care leavers studying in further and higher education at Calderdale College is Jamila Riaz (jamilar@calderdale.ac.uk).
Support with the transition to higher education
Local authority links: As part of Go Higher West Yorkshire’s pilot ‘Care to Go Higher’ programme for care professionals, staff at Calderdale College have volunteered to be a ‘buddy’ for foster carers and/or children’s home workers. This relationship aims to support the communication between Local Authorities and higher education providers, supporting care leavers’ transitions from care to HE.
Additional financial support
Budgeting support: As part of Go Higher West Yorkshire’s pilot ‘Care to Go Higher’ programme for care professionals, staff at Calderdale College have volunteered to be a ‘buddy’ for foster carers and/or children’s home workers. Buddies will be able to provide financial advice and budgeting advice related to higher education.
University of Huddersfield
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated page provides information about the support available to care leavers at University of Huddersfield and how to access it.
URL: https://students.hud.ac.uk/help/wellbeing/careleavers/
Experiences on campus
The University of Huddersfield invite care experienced students to bespoke events and tailored IAG sessions within our Open Days and Applicant Visit days where they can meet our designated member of staff for care leavers. Prospective students who are care experienced can access a range of bespoke experiences of our campus. Please contact Ruth Cohen on R.Cohen@hud.ac.uk to discuss any arrangements you might like to make.
Subject taster sessions: Available on request.
Campus tour: Available on request.
Extra-curricular activity: Available on request.
Application support
1-1 guidance to complete application: We can provide both group and one to one sessions to help with applications and all care experienced students are contacted on application in order to offer information and advice and be invited to meet with our designated member of staff for care leavers.
Support with eligibility queries: Contact Ruth Cohen on r.cohen@hud.ac.uk to discuss any queries.
Consideration of contextual information
The University of Huddersfield encourages care experienced students to make contact with our designated member of staff for care leavers to discuss specific entry requirements and to arrange tailored visits/interviews.
Succeeding in higher education
Consideration of contextual information
1-1 staff support: At the University of Huddersfield all care experienced students are offered one-to-one meetings with our DMS (designated member of staff).
Mental health support: Students are signposted to all the University Wellbeing and Disability services when necessary including counselling, mental health support, ‘Back on Track’ advisers and a wide range of welfare related workshops including a Trans* student support group, ‘Mind Your Head’ support group for students with mental health issues, an autism lunch club, anxiety and depression workshops, bereavement support and workshops around family estrangement. The DMS also works in partnership with the advice and guidance teams within each academic school.
Care leaver network/activity: There are a number of social activities for care experienced students throughout the year. For example, in previous years care leavers have been offered trips to watch the football, theatre trips and a number of meals out.
Peer mentoring: From September 2017 all care experienced starters are offered a ‘buddy’ from our existing group of care experienced students.
Named contact for care leaver students
Ruth Cohen is the designated point of contact for both prospective and current care experienced students. She offers additional support for pre-entry students.
Pre-entry contact: Ruth Cohen, R.Cohen@hud.ac.uk
Post-entry contact: Rebecca Hayes, R.Hayes@hud.ac.uk
Year round accommodation
The University of Huddersfield provides information on accommodation options via their outreach team and designated member of staff (DMS), who can arrange individual visits. The DMS works with accommodation providers to ensure priority status, to help with issues around guarantors and deposits and to guarantee access to 365 day accommodation.
Off campus: There are a number of accommodation options available for students a short distance from the University campus, including student villages and approved letting providers.
URL: https://students.hud.ac.uk/unilife/travel/accommodation/
Support with the transition to higher education
Once they have applied, all care experienced students are invited for individual visits before they start at the University of Huddersfield. Contact Ruth Cohen (r.cohen@hud.ac.uk) for more information.
Mentoring: All care experienced students are entitled to access a learning mentor who can help bridge the gap between college and University study.
Bespoke fresher activity: All care experienced students are invited to our specific induction day for care leavers which covers all aspects of University life including finance, disability, careers, SU activities, and the Student Ambassador scheme.
Local authority links: Post enrolment, the dedicated member of staff (DMS) works in partnership with local authorities to ensure a smooth transition into University life.
Additional financial support
In addition to undergraduate support, the University of Huddersfield also offers a PhD scholarship (The Lemn Sissay PhD scholarship for care leavers) This covers tuition fees and provides a monthly bursary of over £1000 for 3 years.
Bursary: At the University of Huddersfield, care experienced students who are supported by their local authorities and are under the age of 25 when they commence their studies are entitled to a care leaver bursary. This is paid in instalments and amounts to £2000 over 3 years. Care leavers also receive an additional £1000 in their first year through the University scholarship fund.
Budgeting support: Contact Ruth Cohen (R.Cohen@hud.ac.uk) for access to support with managing your finances.
Free/discounted goods: Care experienced students have priority consideration when applying to the University hardship fund, and can also apply for help with educational items such as laptops, books, software and placement travel costs. All care experienced students are entitled to free gym membership throughout their studies.
URL: https://www.hud.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-finance/care-leavers-support/
Training to help staff understand care leavers
The University of Huddersfield is working to set up a Care Leaver Forum comprised of ‘care leaver champions’ from each University academic school. This forum will meet termly to raise awareness of the experiences and needs of care leavers and to take forward the work undertaken with our care leaver population.
Face-to-face training: Targeted training sessions around the experiences of care leavers are offered to all staff and new starters on an annual basis.
Conferences/events: The University of Huddersfield regularly invites care professionals to events such as conferences, Q & A sessions and specific talks designed to enhance their understanding of HE and how to navigate their way through HE processes with the young people they are supporting. We invite PAs to attend our specific induction day with their young people and care professionals are very welcome to attend targeted events within our Open Days, Applicant Visit days and Taster Day sessions.
Succeeding after higher education
Bespoke graduate opportunities: Care experienced students are encouraged to become student ambassadors. This can both help immerse them in student life and to develop skills that will enhance their employability. The designated member of staff works with all academic schools to organise work experience placements and personal development opportunities for care experienced students.
Bespoke employability support: The University of Huddersfield provides a designated adviser from the employability coaching team for care leavers. This member of staff attends the initial induction day for care leavers ensuring contact with the employability service from the outset of the student lifecycle. She tracks progression with the employability service from this group of students and ensures timely communication and invitations to employability events.
Employability mentoring: As well as access to a learning mentor care experienced students can access a mentor from the senior management team within the University.
Kirklees College
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated page provides information on the support available to care leavers in both further and higher education at Kirklees College.
URL: https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/supporting-you/
Experiences on campus
Subject taster sessions: Subject taster sessions available to all care leavers.
Campus tour: Campus tour with the named person for care leavers is available for prospective students transferring to us post 18.
Extra-curricular activity: Online enrichment and mentors available to all care leavers.
Application support
Support with eligibility queries: Our Care Coordinator will support prospective students with any eligibility queries. Contact Natalie Adams at nadams01@kirkleescollege.ac.uk
1-1 guidance to complete application: 1:1 support is available to help support students with applications to HE.
Consideration of contextual information
Personal development coaches and careers staff are aware of and support current further education students with UCAS boosting activities at our higher education providers, e.g. Access to Leeds.
Admissions Manager and Student Wellbeing Lead liaise to ensure equality of opportunity and consideration given to contextual information of students applying for higher education courses at Kirklees College.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
1-1 staff support: 1:1 staff support is available via our personal development coaches and Care Coordinators.
Mental health support: Care leaver students can access a counselling service at Kirklees College.
Care leaver network/activity: Kirklees College has links with local care leaver networks and can signpost students to opportunities.
Peer mentoring: Peer mentoring is being introduced for care leaver students for 2019/20.
URL: https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/student-support/
Named contact for care leaver students
Natalie Adams is the named person for care leavers at Kirklees College across further and higher education. Our Student Wellbeing Lead has links with the local university to enable smooth FE-HE transition for any students choosing to pursue higher education there.
Pre- and post- entry contact: Natalie Law NLaw@kirkleescollege.ac.uk
Support with the transition to higher education
Staff look at information from surrounding schools and on application to assess any student’s risk of drop out.
Mentoring: Coaching and mentoring is available via the personal development coaches and Care Coordinator.
Local authority links: Care Coordinators link with a care leaver student’s PA to support their transition through enrolment. Care Coordinators consider care leavers’ transition from being in care to being a care leaver to ensure support through this transition.
Additional financial support
Bursary: Care leavers can access a bursary, including discretionary funds.
Budgeting support: Budgeting support is available via 1:1 personal development coaches and named person for care leavers, liaising with PA/benefits services where needed.
Free/discounted goods: Students can access the college foodbank in times of need.
URL: https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/student-life/financial-support/
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Staff are kept updated of legislation and current guidance related to care leavers via email.
Face-to-face training: Staff are offered face-to-face training in relation to all vulnerable groups of students. New for 2019/20 – reverse peer mentoring. Students from vulnerable groups and those from minority groups (including care leavers) will mentor staff to support understanding of their needs and their inclusion.
Conferences/events: Kirklees College hosts college events for care leavers.
E-learning: Core, Advanced and Practitioner online training available for all staff.
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Bespoke graduate opportunities: The College has links with the Local Authority, providing access to employment for looked after children and care leavers, including apprenticeships.
Bespoke employability support: Care leaver students are provided with in-college CV writing support from personal development coaches and the careers team.
URL: https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/student-life/work-skills/
Leeds Conservatoire
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated webpage provides information about the support we offer prospective and current care leaver students and who to contact for more information and guidance.
URL: https://www.lcm.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/care-leavers/
Experiences on campus
We offer activities and experiences for foster families on campus as part of our collaborative work with GHWY.
Campus tour: We are happy to organise campus tours for care leavers and foster families, so if you would like to arrange a student-led tour of our facilities you can book a campus tour online.
URL: https://www.lcm.ac.uk/visit-us/campus-tours/
Application support
If you would like to talk to our admissions team about your application, please email HEadmissions@lcm.ac.uk.
Support with eligibility queries: Our admissions team can support you with any queries you may have about your application.
Graduation cost support
We will cover the cost of gown hire and photographs at Graduation for our care leaver students.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
1-1 staff support: As named contact for care leavers, Bethany Milner will offer 1-1 support when you need it.
Mental health support: Confidential counselling is available to help you to explore difficult thoughts and feelings as well as tailored mental health support if you have any long standing mental health issues.
URL: https://www.lcm.ac.uk/student-life/student-services/health-wellbeing/
Named contact for care leaver students
The named contact for prospective and current care leaver students at Leeds Conservatoire is Bethany Milner, Health and Wellbeing Adviser (Access and Participation). You can contact her at B.Milner@lcm.ac.uk.
Pre-entry contact: Bethany Milner B.Milner@lcm.ac.uk 0113 222 3453
Post-entry contact: Bethany Milner B.Milner@lcm.ac.uk 0113 222 3453
additional financial support
Access to the accommodation start up grant of £100 and access to the Leeds Conservatoire Bursary.
Find out more: https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/courses/apply-audition-fees/fees-funding/scholarships-bursaries/
Access to the Leeds Conservatoire Accommodation Start-up Fund.
Find out more: https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/courses/apply-audition-fees/fees-funding/scholarships-bursaries/
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Drawing upon resources within Go Higher West Yorkshire, Leeds Conservatoire plans to train staff to better understand care leavers during the 2023/24 academic year.
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Support from our Employability and Enterprise team which includes mentoring and advice sessions, CV clinics and more.
University of Leeds
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated webpage for care leavers contains information about the support you are entitled to as a care leaver at the University of Leeds, including finance, accommodation and access programmes.
URL: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/128005/applying/41/care_leavers_and_estranged_students
Experiences on campus
Run by the University of Leeds, the Reach for Excellence programme supports young people who demonstrate the potential to access a top university but who may not have considered entry to research intensive Higher Education. Students on the scheme receive a wide range of support throughout the completion of their year twelve and thirteen studies. Young people who have grown up in public care and who show the potential to gain a place at the University will be eligible for the programme.
Support is provided in the form of subject specific taster sessions, study skills workshops, impartial pre-entry guidance, finance and budgeting sessions and a residential summer school. Throughout the two year programme, students will be given a taste of university life and gain the necessary skills and experience for a smooth and successful transition into Higher Education.
A key benefit of the Reach for Excellence programme is that it allows high-achieving students to meet and share ideas with other likeminded students from a range of different schools and colleges situated within the Yorkshire region.
The programme is free of charge to students and travel expenses are reimbursed for each event attended. The majority of events and workshops will be held at the University of Leeds.
Residential activity: Available via the Reach for Excellence programme.
Subject taster sessions: Available via the Reach for Excellence programme.
Campus tour: Available via the Reach for Excellence programme.
Extra-curricular activity: Available via the Reach for Excellence programme.
URL: https://studenttalentspotting.leeds.ac.uk/rfe/
Application support
When Care Leaver applicants confirm the University of Leeds as their first choice they are sent a welcome email and offered the opportunity for a tour of the university and an appointment with the Care Leaver contact for the University of Leeds. If they wish they can also meet a current student who will talk to them about their experiences of being a student at Leeds and take any questions which are on their mind.
1-1 guidance to complete application: The named contact for care leavers will signpost students to help them access this support from the University Admissions team.
Support with eligibility queries: The named contact for care leavers will signpost students to help them access this support from the University Admissions team and/or their preferred school of study within the University.
Contextual admissions
Consideration of contextual information: Eligibility for the Access to Leeds programme is based upon consideration of contextual information about a student’s personal circumstances.
Activity/programme to boost UCAS score:
Access to Leeds is the University of Leeds alternative admissions scheme which you may benefit from as a student who has experienced time in care. You must be living permanently in the UK, have the potential to study at the University of Leeds and meet two or more of the criteria, which include having spent time in public care.
Successful applicants are made an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard entry requirements for their course. This offer can then be taken up following successful completion of the Access to Leeds programme.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
The University of Leeds is working to building awareness of the care leaver support role across the University, via publicity and meetings with Faculties/School Support staff, to ensure a coordinated approach.
1-1 staff support: 1-1 support is available via Lisa Firth (l.firth@adm.leeds.ac.uk) or careleavers@leeds.ac.uk
Mental health support: Through referal to the mental health and wellbeing service at the University.
Care leaver network/activity: Care leavers starting at the University of Leeds are offered a buddy in their second year who is also a care leaver.
Peer mentoring: The named contact for care leavers, Lisa Firth, offers bespoke opportunities for care leavers to meet each other and access peer support.
Named contact for care leaver students
The named contact for care leavers and estranged students at University of Leeds is Lisa Firth. She can support care leavers with queries before they apply, and before and after they start their studies. Lisa will signpost to other services at the University, including the Admissions Team and Lifelong Learning Centre.
Pre-entry contact: Lisa Firth: l.firth@adm.leeds.ac.uk 0113 343 7669
Post-entry contact: Lisa Firth: l.firth@adm.leeds.ac.uk 0113 343 7669
Year round accommodation
The University of Leeds guarantees year-round accommodation for care leavers. We also offer a waiver of the upfront security deposit for University-owned accommodation. Students can discuss accommodation needs with the care leaver contact at any point, who will also facilitate private sector accommodation, or whatever is necessary, by speaking to agencies and providing supporting references. The University offers a range of accommodation options from modern, purpose-built apartments to converted mansions both on and off campus.
URL: https://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/
Support with the transition to higher education
They are also sent details of the propel website which details information which may be useful to care leavers during the time of the study. One to one appointments available with Care Leaver contact.
Mentoring: Care leavers starting at the University of Leeds are offered a buddy in their second year who is also a care leaver and access to our ‘Settle in Scheme’. Starting at university can be particularly stressful for care leavers and so it may be helpful for them to talk to someone who was in their situation last year.
Bespoke fresher activity: The University of Leeds Plus Programme, a support service for which experience of care is a qualifying criterion, also provides tailored support including: Fresher’s week social activities, a Food Crawl around Leeds, Academic Writing and Time Management workshops, Careers Centre sessions, Student support and opportunities fresher’s fair.
Additional financial support
Bursary: The University of Leeds offers care leavers priority consideration for £3000 per annum means tested scholarships. If the care leaver does not apply in time they will qualify for Leeds Financial Support maximum amount of £2250.
Free/discounted goods: All new care leaver students will be offered a free kitchen pack and bedding pack. We can also reimburse moving costs (e.g taxi travel, car hire etc). Care leavers can claim a graduation bursary for their gown and photos.
Hardship fund: Care leaver students have access to the Leeds Hardship Fund all year round.
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Face-to-face training: The University of Leeds gives presentations on working with care leavers to its staff via the Educational Engagement Lunchtime Briefing Sessions.
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Bespoke graduate opportunities: Students who access the Plus Programme receive email alerts to fantastic job opportunities, including the Student Host role. We also send out information to students about bespoke employability support and opportunities
Bespoke employability support: The University of Leeds Plus Programme offers tailored support in terms of developing employability skills and facilitating careers appointments with the Careers Centre.
Leeds Arts University
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated webpage for care leavers provides information about support available to both prospective and current care experienced students.
URL: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/about-us/access-and-participation/under-represented-groups
Experiences on campus
The Progression Team, Nominated Care Leaver Contact and Student Support all offer bespoke individualised support on notification and contact. You can contact the Progression Team to find out more and arrange experiences on campus for looked after young people or care leavers progression@leeds-art.ac.uk.
Subject taster sessions: Small group subject tasters alongside Social Workers or Foster Carers can be arranged.
Campus tour: Campus tours alongside Social Workers or Foster Carers can be arranged.
Extra-curricular activity: Leeds Arts University offers a vibrant programme of extra-curricular outreach activities. For more information, please see: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/about-us/access-and-participation/our-outreach-activity
Application support
Our Nominated Care Leaver Contact, alongside our Progression team, can provide support where possible to students who need additional or early application support. In addition, support for care leavers is available in the form of a contribution towards the cost of their travel expenses to attend a post-offer Applicant Day or interview (if necessary for course). You can get in touch by emailing progression@leeds-art.ac.uk
Contextual admissions
Examples of Outreach activities to boost UCAS score across a number of higher education providers are Progression Module Plus (12 tariff points) and attending Portfolio Development sessions to enhance Portfolios for applications to the Arts.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
1-1 staff support: Students can access pastoral support and student welfare and student support teams. Staff will liaise across course teams to ensure a joined up approach to supporting care leavers’ wellbeing.
Mental health support: Leeds Arts University has a Mental Health Support Worker in place.
Care leaver network/activity: Student support teams liaise with the Student Union for Wellbeing Week each year.
Named contact for care leaver students
We have a dedicated care leaver contact, Elizabeth Crickmore, who can answer questions regarding our courses and the support we offer. Elizabeth is also on hand to support current students at Leeds Arts University and will contact any students who indicate that they are a care leaver on their UCAS application.
Pre-entry contact: Elizabeth Crickmore elizabeth.crickmore@leeds-art.ac.uk 0113 202 8254
Post-entry contact: Elizabeth Crickmore elizabeth.crickmore@leeds-art.ac.uk 0113 202 8254
Year round accommodation
The University does not have own accommodation on campus but Student Support will liaise with student accommodation providers to support the applicant with their accommodation needs.
Support with the transition to higher education
Students are supported on a bespoke, case-by-case basis according to their needs and the level of support they wish to receive. This is through contact with the Nominated Care Leaver Contact, Student Advice and Wellbeing team, and through the Students’ Union. The Hello Café is a weekly event offered in the first term for all new entrants to help students orient themselves, make new friends, and transition into the university.
Mentoring: Buddy Scheme on transition into Higher Education is offered to care leaver students.
Local authority links: Leeds Arts University attends regional care leaver professional network meetings as well as the Leeds Corporate Parenting Operational Group.
Additional financial support
Care leavers are entitled to a contribution towards the cost of their travel expenses to attend a post-offer Applicant Day or interview (if necessary for course).
Bursary: A bursary of £3,000 per year is available to undergraduate students who are assessed as a care leaver, using the criteria provided by Student Finance England. The bursary will be paid in three instalments of £1,000 at the start of each term. Eligibility for the Care Leavers Bursary will be based on the information submitted to the Student Finance England each year. Eligible students will receive confirmation of eligibility and payment dates.
Budgeting support: Budgeting advice is provided through the Student Union and Student Welfare Support.
Free/discounted goods: We provide all students with financial support for materials in each year of study. This is £55 in each of their first two years and then £75 in the final year of study.
URL: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/about-us/access-and-participation/access-and-participation-plans
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Conferences/events
Staff attend Go Higher West Yorkshire good practice sharing events and other widening participation network events, including NEON events.
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Careers and Employability provide 1 to 1 employability support and an information service for all students. Work placement opportunities and support is provided. If a student has registered as an Alumni. Graduate Opportunities information is conveyed in a Quarterly Bulletin. Graduates can access support through the Careers Service for 5 years following graduation.
Bespoke graduate opportunities: Care leavers can apply for creatives in residence and studio opportunities
Bespoke employability support: One to one consultations with Careers Advisers are available to all care leavers.
Leeds Beckett University
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated webpage for care leavers provides information on a range of support, including finance, accommodation and wellbeing.
URL: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/care-leavers-and-estranged/
Experiences on campus
The Access & Widening Participation team organise a wide range of activities for young people which aim to increase their confidence to succeed in Higher Education (HE). Activities offered cover areas such as student life, course options at university, university application process. Our team offer specific programmes and activities to young people from care-experienced backgrounds.
contextual admissions
Applicants should contact Admissions at admissions@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for further information about contextual admissions, as it may differ for certain courses.
Residential activity
Places for care experienced young people are reserved of on Leeds Beckett University summer residential programmes.
Email: schoolsandcolleges@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Application support
1-1 guidance to complete application: In partnership with Leeds City Council and the Virtual School, Leeds Beckett University provide bespoke help with personal statements. To arrange this, or for more information, please contact the Access and Widening Participation team.
URL: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schoolsandcolleges/our-pre-16-programmes-and-support/
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
1-1 staff support: 1-1 support and signposting is available via the named contact for care leavers, Sam Wainwright. Sam can be contacted on s.wainwright@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
Mental health support: The Student Wellbeing team is made up of counsellors and mental health practitioners who are skilled and experienced in recognizing how emotional and mental health difficulties can affect your time whilst at university. Many staff members across the University are trained in Mental Health First Aid.
Care leaver network/activity: LBU is looking to start a care leaver society/peer support group in 2019/20.
URL: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/student-wellbeing-team/
Named contact for care leaver students
Sam Wainwright, Bursary and Scholarship Officer, is the named contact for prospective and current care leaver students at Leeds Beckett University. Sam can be contacted on s.wainwright@leedsbeckett.ac.uk and will provide support or signpost to further support where appropriate.
Pre-entry contact: Sam Wainwright s.wainwright@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Post-entry contact: Sam Wainwright s.wainwright@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Year round accommodation
If you are a care leaver and decide to stay in a university halls of residence, we will guarantee that you have access to this university accommodation for 365 days a year. Please note that only certain properties that are managed by the university are applicable for 365 day contracts. For further information please contact the Accommodation Office at accommodation@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
URL: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/accommodation/
Additional financial support
Bursary: If you can provide evidence that you are a care leaver you may be able to apply for a bursary of up to £1500 from the university and also access our Leeds Beckett hardship funds for every year of your course. For further information about this, please visit our bursaries and scholarships web page. Applicants will need to book either a face to face or telephone appointment to go through the application process.
URL: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/bursaries/
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Face-to-face training
All University staff can access training related to understanding care leavers via People Development Sessions.
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Bespoke employability support: Our careers team offer support and advice, as well as help finding opportunities for part time work and placements. We work closely with them to offer dedicated support for graduate employment planning which begins at level 5 and is available for up to 5 years after graduation. For further information and details of how to book appointments with an adviser, please visit our Careers webpages.
Employability mentoring: Employability mentoring is currently being piloted by the careers team.
Leeds College of Building
Getting to higher education
Application support
Bespoke support with your application is offered by Leeds College of Building, please contact our Student Services team on 0113 2226002 for further information.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
Whether you’re on a study programme or an apprenticeship, you will be allocated an adviser to help you get the most out of your time at college. They can help with:
- Careers information and guidance
- Applications for employment or higher education
- Support with academic difficulties
- Help with personal problems and difficulties
Paying for courses and travel.
1-1 staff support: 1-1 support can be accessed through a college personal advisor, the named contact for care leavers, or the Inclusive Learning Service.
URL: https://www.lcb.ac.uk/student-life/student-services/
Named contact for care leaver students
The named contact for prospective and current care leaver students at Leeds College of Building is Charlotte Duffy (cduffy@lcb.ac.uk).
Pre-entry contact: Charlotte Duffy cduffy@lcb.ac.uk
Post-entry contact: Charlotte Duffy cduffy@lcb.ac.uk
Additional financial support
Bursary: Leeds College of Building offers support via the college Welfare Fund. This ranges from £500 – £1,000.
Free/discounted goods: Care leavers may be eligible for a range of discounted goods including:
- Half fare bus pass
- Free meals
- Discounts from local suppliers for stationary, protective clothing and drawing equipment
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Bespoke graduate opportunities
Leeds College of Building try to offer care leavers work placements where possible.
University Centre Leeds
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated webpage for care leavers demonstrates the support we offer higher education care leaver students at our University Centre
URL: https://ucleeds.ac.uk/student-life/care-leavers/
Experiences on campus
To help you make informed decisions about your higher education and degree choices, we can offer a range of opportunities to visit our University Centre campus.
Subject taster sessions: University Centre Leeds offer Foster Family / Care Experienced Taster Days.
Campus tour: University Centre Leeds can offer personalised campus tours to care leavers.
Application support
1-1 guidance to complete application: University Centre Leeds offers 1-1 support to make an application to study with us. Contact admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk to arrange this.
Contextual admissions
Consideration of contextual information: University Centre Leeds may be able to make you a course offer lower than the stated entry requirements based on your personal circumstances and experience of care.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
1-1 staff support: 1-1 support for care leavers is available from the University Centre Leeds HE Welfare and Student Engagement Officer and/or a Named contact from within the Safeguarding Team.
Mental health support: A HE Counselling and Mental Health Officer is in place at the University Centre.
Peer mentoring: University Centre Leeds offers buddying and mentoring schemes to care leavers.
Named contact for care leaver students
Year round accommodation
Leeds City College students can access Leeds Beckett University accommodation, which is available for care leavers throughout the full year.
Additional financial support
To help support new students leaving care or estranged students to start full time higher education at University Centre Leeds, we offer a package of financial support.
Bursary: A Care Leavers Bursary is available from University Centre Leeds (up to £1000).
Free/discounted goods: University Centre Leeds will provide care leavers with a free Chromebook. We will support the cost of interview travel and / or on-course materials (up to 50%) and graduation (up to 50% of cost for gown hire and photographs).
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Drawing upon resources within Go Higher West Yorkshire, University Centre Leeds plans to train staff to better understand care leavers during the 2019/20 academic year.
Leeds Trinity University
Getting to higher education
Dedicated care leaver webpage
Our dedicated webpage provides details on the support available to care leavers during the admissions process and time spent studying with us, including access to support staff, finance and accommodation.
URL: http://www.leedstrinity.ac.uk/careleavers
Experiences on campus
Residential activity: Opportunity to take part in a residential activity is available as part of our contextualised admissions scheme.
Subject taster sessions: We can arrange visits with teaching staff to help care leavers gain a deeper insight into your subject area of interest.
Campus tour: We are able to provide bespoke campus tours to care leavers.
Application support
1-1 guidance to complete application: Support with your application is available via contact with Leeds Trinity’s single point of contact for care leavers.
Contextual admissions
Activity/programme to boost UCAS score
Our Reward Scheme Residential has a number of criteria, one of which is being a care leaver (students need to meet one to be eligible). Completion of the Reward Scheme Residential gives prospective students 8 UCAS points towards a course offer from Leeds Trinity University.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
1-1 staff support: Student support staff, including the dedicated Care Leaver Coordinator, are available for 1-1 support.
Mental health support: Mental health support is available to care leavers at Leeds Trinity University.
Care leaver network/activity: Leeds Trinity University provides opportunities for care leavers to meet new friends through activities, clubs and societies run by the Students’ Union.
Peer mentoring: Care leavers are offered Peer Learning Mentors and an optional ‘buddy’ during your first week on campus.
Named contact for care leaver students
The named contact for prospective and current care leaver students at Leeds Trinity University is Anajali Kataria (Schools and Colleges Engagement Officer).
Pre-entry contact: Anajali Kataria, SCLHello@leedstrinity.ac.uk
Post-entry contact: Anajali Kataria, SCLHello@leedstrinity.ac.uk
Year round accommodation
On campus: Care experienced students can access accommodation 365 days a year on our Horsforth Campus
URL: http://www.leedstrinity.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation
Support with the transition to higher education
Bespoke fresher activity: Available to all care leavers.
Local authority links: The Care Leaver Coordinator has strong links with Local Authorities in the region and will work collaboratively to ensure care leavers’ smooth transition into higher education.
Additional financial support
Bursary: Care experienced students may be eligible for a Care Experienced Bursary of £1,500 per year for all of our undergraduate courses.
Budgeting support: Leeds Trinity can provide tailored financial advice to care experienced students.
Free/discounted goods: Leeds Trinity provides care experienced students with vouchers for some university essentials. We also help with the cost of graduation gown hire.
URL: Fees and finance – Leeds Trinity University
Training to help staff understand care leavers
Face-to-face training: Face-to-face training is being undertaken with all personal tutors to help them understand care leaver needs.
Succeeding after higher education
Employment support
Bespoke employability support: Care Leavers studying at Leeds Trinity University are offered automatic shortlisting for Student Ambassador recruitment each September.
Employability mentoring: Leeds Trinity can provide care leavers with mentoring to support their employability once they leave the University.
University Centre Wakefield
Getting to higher education
Application support
1-1 guidance to complete application: The University Centre Wakefield is committed to supporting those from a care background who wish to enter higher education. Please get in touch with the named Care Leaver Contact, Carol McArthur at C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk, for more information about the application process.
Contextual admissions
University Centre Wakefield may be able to make you a course offer lower than the stated entry requirements based on your personal circumstances and experience of care. Please get in touch with the named Care Leaver Contact, Carol McArthur at C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk, for more information.
Succeeding in higher education
Wellbeing support
Small class sizes mean your tutor will get to know you. We treat you like an individual and tailor our support to meet your needs.
1-1 staff support: Contact Carol McArthur at C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk for access to any 1-1 support needs or signposting to other support available across the University Centre and beyond.
Mental health support: counselling offers a confidential space to talk in privacy about anything that is bothering you. You can also attend one of the drop in sessions at the Wakefield City Campus or Castleford Campus on Wednesdays between 1.15pm to 2.15pm
Telephone or text Carol: 07713 391716
Telephone or text Sue: 07713 391717
Email counselling@wakefield.ac.uk
Named contact for care leaver students
The named contact for prospective and current care leaver students at University Centre Wakefield is Carol McArthur, Safeguarding Officer. C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk.
Pre-entry contact: Carol McArthur C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk
Post-entry contact: Carol McArthur C.McArthur@wakefield.ac.uk
Additional financial support
Bursary: University Centre Wakefield offers a care leavers bursary. This award will be made to any UK student who has left local authority care in the 2 years prior to enrolment on the first year of study, irrespective of postcode. This is a non-means tested bursary of £1,500 per year of study.
