'It was me, but it was them that helped me’: exploring the issues for care experienced young people within higher education

Sharon Pinkney, Gary Walker

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    21 Citations (Scopus)
    120 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    This article reports the findings of a small study investigating the experiences of care experienced young people in relation to higher education in England. The findings are based on a literature review, interviews with young people studying at one University as well as interviews with University support staff. It also includes data from two focus groups with young people in care. The research shows that their success depends on a complexity of factors. In terms of support, young people did not benefit from unspecified and generalised help, but ongoing support that was relational, characterised by genuine concern, human warmth and knowledge of the young person. In addition, the research emphasises that supportive adults need to be non-judgemental, available and responsive in providing practical help as well as emotional support. These supportive adults, together with the provision of financial support, combined with the student’s own agency, resilience, internal drive and determination, provide a powerful set of factors that underpin success within higher education for care experienced students. Additionally this research provides further testament to the importance of enduring and trusting relationships for children in care.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number104576
    Number of pages9
    JournalChildren and Youth Services Review
    Volume108
    Early online date21 Nov 2019
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2020

    Keywords

    • care leavers
    • education

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