Moulton College recognises that children in care (CIC) and care experienced young people are experiencing many changes in their lives.
We support a smooth transition into college and onto adulthood by providing a safe and stable environment, in which students are able to set and achieve their aspirations.
Our Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer is the designated teacher for young people in care. They coordinate support tailored to the needs of individual students by working with our curriculum, learning support and student services teams and with external professionals in the young persons life, such as their Social Worker, Personal Advisor and virtual school representative. They also liaise with the young person's carers.
The College fully engages with the Personal Education Plan (PEP) process. The PEP is the statutory tool used to ensure that the young person's education is actively prioritised, their progress is carefully tracked and they are supported to achieve. Each student who is 'looked after' has a Personal Education Plan (PEP) twice annually, up until their 18th birthday.
These meetings will be attended by the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer, the student, tutor, social worker, Personal Adviser and guardian (sometimes parents may attend if they are a part of the young persons’ life). The Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer will meet with the student before the meeting to discuss any concerns and wishes to ensure that the young person's views and goals are discussed.
All Children In Care (CIC) have a statutory care plan, which is drawn up and reviewed by the Local Authority that looks after them. The Personal Education Plan (PEP) is a legal part of the care plan; which is a statutory requirement for LAC from a child of 3 years if in education provision up to the age of 18.
Financial support for vulnerable learners
The defined vulnerable groups are students who are:
- In care
- Care leavers (under 19 years at the start of the academic year)
- Receiving income support, or universal credit because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them such as a child or partner
- Receiving disability living allowance or personal independence payments in their own right as well as employment and support allowance or universal credit in their own right.
Eligible students will be awarded support to cover essential course costs, including clothing, equipment, and travel (pro-rata for January start courses)
Contact for more information
For further information, please contact Angela Johnson, Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer - vulnerable learners & children in care / Designated Teacher, by email or by calling 01604 491131.
