Pathways to Further and Higher Education for Looked After and Care Experienced Young People

NORTHERN IRELAND 2017-2018

2017 - 2018 - 2018 017 2 D N A L Pathways to E R Further and Higher I

N Education for Looked R

E After and H

T Care Experienced R

O N Young People

Disclaimer: Please note at the time of writing the information contained in this document was correct. This may be subject to change.

This guide would not have been possible without the contributions from the following organisations:

All Further and Higher Education Providers in Northern Ireland All Higher Education Providers in Northern Ireland Careers Service NI DFE DENI Fostering Network HSCB Include Youth Student Finance NI VOYPIC

Edited and Published by Ulster University February 2018 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 6 About This Guide 34 College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) 36 Financial Support for Further Education Courses at CAFRE 6 Background CHAPTER 7 Why Education? 38 CAFRE Higher Education Costs ONE 40 CAFRE Accomodation 42 Higher Education In Northern Ireland SIX 44 HEIs in Northern Ireland and Dedicated Contacts 49 How do I apply to Higher Education? CHAPTER 8 Corporate Parenting Responsibility 50 Can a Young Person get Higher Education Funding? 9 Target Population TWO 11 The Role of Health and Social Care Trusts 52 Student Finance NI 52 How much will University cost? 52 How much can the young person get? CHAPTER 53 Living Costs 12 The Careers Service in Northern Ireland CHAPTER 53 Loans and Grants THREE 13 What is Career Guidance and Who Delivers It? 53 Bursaries from Universities and Colleges SEVEN 54 Extra Help 54 Disabled Students Allowances (Higher Education) 54 Disability Needs Assessment 54 Register of Support Providers 14 Northern Ireland’s Further and Higher Education Sector 55 Student Loan Repayment CHAPTER 15 Colleges and Universities Provisions for Looked After and Care Experienced Young People FOUR 16 Access to Success CHAPTER 56 Studying in the Republic of Ireland 56 How to Apply EIGHT 57 The CAO Application System

18 Further Education In Northern Ireland 58 Organisations Who Support Care Leavers 19 What is Further Education? CHAPTER 60 The Fostering Network 19 The Benefts of Further Education Learning 62 VOYPIC 20 Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland and NINE 64 IncludeYOUTH CHAPTER Dedicated Specialists 27 How to Make Application 67 Resources UK 28 Student Money Matters 69 Appendix 1: Contact Details for H&S Care 16 Plus FIVE CHAPTER Services 29 Payment of Tuition Fees 71 Appendix 2: Contact Details for Education and Library Boards TEN 72 Appendix 3: Colleges and Universities with Quality Award Status in England, Scotland and Wales 76 Appendix 4: Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland

4 5 Chapter ONE TION CA ? ABOUT THIS GUIDE U “I owe a lot to This guide is written for professionals, carers and The guide is the product of collaborative D my personal adviser. those supporting young people who are making working across further education colleges, E He believed in me and choices about their future education and are higher education institutions, the Department considering Further and Higher Education. It is of Employment and Learning, the Department encouraged me when others just Y aimed at those who have an interest in promoting of Education, Health and Social Care, Voice of laughed at the notion of ambition. the wellbeing and educational attainment of Young people in Care and Fostering Network in young people in and leaving care in Northern Northern Ireland. H He guided and helped me apply. Ireland. Education is a key driver towards

I’m really glad I’m here today achieving positive employment Supporting young people into further or higher W The guide seeks to make explicit the roles and education requires the availability of up to date meeting new friends and having outcomes in adulthood. There contributions of the various agencies that will information in order to forward plan and to remains a signifcant gap between be engaged in supporting a young person make effectively assist young people to make informed some craic as well as studying!” the educational achievements of care plans for and access continued education. In choices. It is best that effective and timely leavers and their peers. This guide is a reference resource for those working particular it provides information on the various planning takes place at the earliest possible - ULSTER UNIVERSITY colleges and higher education institutions stages. It is therefore hoped that this guide will with and supporting Looked After and (CAFRE) in Northern Ireland and their particular make a helpful contribution to achieving this goal. STUDENT care experienced young people to help arrangements for supporting looked after and Its development has been based on a shared them maximise educational opportunities and care experienced young people. It also sets out, commitment by the agencies involved to provide attain economic independence in adult life through in an accessible, composite resource, information the highest standard of support to looked after employment. about pathways into continued education, and care experienced young people continuing in the supports available, application routes and education through further education colleges and The guide provides current information on the support available fnancial provision. It can be used as a reference higher educational institutions. to young people in and leaving care that plan to continue further guide by foster carers, guardians, kinship carers, educational studies in Northern Ireland primarily. All further social workers, 16+ advisers, careers advisors, education and higher education institutions in Northern Ireland and practitioners within the Further and Higher have contributed to the material contained in the guide and have Education institutions. set out the range of supports available.

• A higher proportion of care leavers aged 16-18 (15%) are coping with Where a young person is seeking to undertake studies outside of disability compared with the general population (6%). Northern Ireland it is recommended that support staff and carers, in • 14% of care leavers had a Statement of Educational Need compared with the frst instance, establish the nature of supports available from the selected college or university. The guide contains a list of those that the general school population (5%). The have acquired the Quality Mark (Buttle UK) in Appendix 3 which is an • Three quarters of care leavers had GCSEs or other qualifcations. indicator of additional support being made available to young people population of care leavers obtaining 5 GCSEs (A*-C) or higher was 25% leaving care. The support available and how it can be accessed should be well researched in advance as part of helping a which remains lower than for school leavers as a whole (79%). young person to make choices and to prepare for his / her next • The proportion of young people leaving care with no qualifcations was educational steps. Support specifcally available for young people 26% in 2014 / 2015, over 15 times that for general school leavers. leaving care should be fully maximised so that the young person benefts. • Of care leavers for whom information was available, three in fve

KEY FINDINGS INDICATE: FINDINGS KEY (61%) were in education or training, 8% were working and 31% were unemployed or economically inactive.

6 7 Chapter TWO

Helping children and young people in care to succeed in education, reach their CORPORATE potential and fulfll ambitions will make TARGET POPULATION a major contribution to realising positive outcomes and to promoting their economic The Guide is primarily focused on looked after and care experienced young people aged 16-21+ PARENTING wellbeing in adult life. years who have entitlement to the provisions of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2002. The Children (NI) Order 1995 is the The Act defnes these young people across four categories: RESPONSIBILITY primary legislative framework governing arrangements for children in care. It defnes duties and powers of an authority/Health and Social Care Trust to children in care.

Under Article 26 of the Order, Health and THE Social Care Trusts have a duty to promote the welfare of children in care. This includes their educational achievement.

Articles 34A and 35C of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2002 set out the need ROLE for preparing pathway plans for young OF people in care when they attain 16 years of age. Regulation 7 of, and the Schedule to, the Children (Leaving Care) Regulations (NI) 2005 sets out the matters to be dealt ELIGIBLE RELEVANT FORMER QUALIFYING with within the Pathway Plan which includes HEALTH a detailed plan for the education or training of the young person. Personal Education YOUNG YOUNG RELEVANT YOUNG AND Plans (PEPs) were introduced in 2011 for all Looked After children and are required PERSON PERSON YOUNG PERSON to be developed alongside teachers and in a young person aged a young person PERSON a young person aged place up to compulsory school leaving age. 16/17 who has been aged 16/17 who has under 21 who after SOCIAL looked after by a left care and before a young person aged reaching the age of The Pathway Plan which is a statutory Trust for a period of leaving care was an 18-21 (or beyond if, 16, but whilst still requirement must be in place for Looked 13 weeks since the eligible young person. being helped with under 18, was looked After Young People from aged 16 (post age of 14 and is still education or training) after by a Trust, compulsory education) and includes a looked after. who, before turning 18 accommodated in a CARE specifc domain on Education, Training and was either an eligible voluntary children’s Employment. or relevant young home or privately person, or both. fostered. Together the PEPs and Pathway Plans TRUSTS focus on ensuring that children and young people in care and care leavers aged 16-21+ are fully supported to take For each category specifc duties and powers apply which are directed towards supporting the young full advantage of learning opportunities person to make a positive transition from care and to achieve stability and economic independence in within education and throughout their care adult life. 8 experience and beyond. 9 Chapter TWO In order to effectively complete the needs The main provisions and entitlements as detailed in the ROLE OF HEALTH assessment and fulfll aspects of the Pathway Plan, the social worker/personal adviser will, AND SOCIAL CARE of necessity, engage with relevant others, Children (Leaving Care) Act 2002 are: for example, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive regarding future accommodation; the Each responsible TRUSTS Careers Service to assist the young person with Health and Social The responsible future career choices. Multi-agency working is Care Trust has a Trust has a duty to In Northern Ireland there are fve Health and a fundamental component of 16 Plus Transition Social Care Trusts who, under the Scheme duty to assess and keep in touch with Services given the range of needs that must for Delegated Authority, have the primary be met for looked after children who are meet the care and all its care leavers responsibility for discharging the duties and transitioning from care. support needs of who qualify under powers owed to looked after children and care 1eligible, relevant 2 the Children leavers. Establishing positive, constructive and and former relevant (Leaving Care) Act; sustained working relationships between 16 children; For the 16-21+ group of young people these Plus Services, Further Education colleges and responsibilities are fulflled on behalf of a Trust Higher Education Institutions is central to raising through Family and Childcare 16 Plus Teams. the aspirations of young people in care and These teams comprise of social workers and to assisting them to engage in and maintain personal advisers who undertake the role continued educational studies. It is therefore All eligible, relevant The relevant Trust of supporting young people in preparing for expected where a young person is pursuing and former relevant must maintain and leaving care from age 16 through to after care educational studies that interface discussion will children must have a accommodate up to age 21. The role continues beyond 21 have taken place, involving the young person, personal adviser; relevant children; where a young person is completing a course of student support services and 16 Plus staff or 3 4 education or a training programme. carers. These discussions should be aimed at helping the young person familiarise her/ himself with the place of study, establish how • Provision of a named social worker/personal best the young person can be supported to adviser to each young person. make a positive transition to further or higher The responsible The responsible • Completion of a holistic needs assessment for education, how any barriers can be overcome Trust must assist Trust must assist each young person at age 16. The assessment and any diffculties that might arise will be a care leaver in a former relevant addresses a number of prescribed domains communicated and resolved in a timely way. full time further or child with costs including education, training and employment. An important aspect of preparing for further or associated with higher education is ascertaining the fnancial higher education • Completion of a Pathway Plan for each young with vacation employment to the means available to a young person. It is the role person. Based on the needs assessment 5accommodation 6 extent that his or her of the young person’s named worker, along with the Plan sets out how needs will be met, where required; welfare requires it; the young person and his / her carer, to set out future goals and the means and timescales a fnancial plan taking account of all sources of for meeting needs and achieving goals. The fnancial assistance that is available including the contribution from the Trust. This will make Plan includes a specifc domain on Education, The responsible explicit costs, sources of income and assist Trust must assist The responsible Trust Training and Employment and where such the young person to understand budgeting with the costs of must assist a former needs are identifed should make explicit the implications and to be reassured of the fnancial relevant child to the education and emotional, practical and fnancial supports to be resources available to undertake the chosen extent that his or provided. course of studies. training up to the her welfare requires end of the agreed • Arrangements for review of the Pathway Plan it, either in kind or Contact details for each Trust are in Appendix 1. 7programme; 8 exceptionally in cash. which must be undertaken on six monthly intervals or more frequently if required. THE SUPPORT PROVIDED INCLUDES: THE SUPPORT 10 11 Chapter THREE A positive frst step is to make contact with the Careers Service.

THERN I OR RE N The Careers LA IN Service is here to help. N D PHONE WEB EMAIL E We provide an all–age, impartial, Call: Visit the Careers Email a careers C I information, advice and guidance service, Service website: adviser at: 0300 200 7820 V to help young people make informed www.nidirect.gov. CSU8@economy- R choices about to speak to a uk/careers

E their future career paths. careers adviser ni.gov.uk

S in your area. The site also

Our professionally qualifed careers advisers S carries extensive

are based in Careers R information on

E Resource Centres, Jobs and Benefts education, skills

E Ofces and Job Centres and training.

R throughout Northern Ireland. A

C

E CHAT WITH A CAREERS ADVISER ONLINE H T http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/chat-with-a-careers-adviser WHAT IS CAREER GUIDANCE AND WHO DELIVERS IT? Careers guidance helps an individual consider their skills, qualifcations and experience, identify opportunities and develop achievable career plans. It will help analyse labour market trends and opportunities, make informed, appropriate and achievable decisions in relation to education, training and employment and help achieve personal career goals.

Careers advice and guidance is delivered throughout Northern Ireland by the Department for the Economy’s professionally qualified Careers advisers based in Careers Resource Centres, Careers Offices, Jobcentres and Jobs & Benefits offices.

12 13 Chapter FOUR WHAT PROVISIONS DO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES MAKE FOR LOOKED AFTER AND CARE NORTHERN EXPERIENCED YOUNG PEOPLE? Going to college or university is a really IRELAND’S exciting opportunity. It enables young The focus on the educational progression and attainment of young people from a care people to study an area of interest background has increased signifcantly in recent years with greater emphasis placed FURTHER in a university or college of choice, by higher and further education institutions on proactively engaging and supporting this experience a new place and make a cohort of young people. AND HIGHER new network of friends. The Buttle UK Quality Mark for Care Leavers has played a signifcant part in It is also an important step towards EDUCATION increasing independence, where young establishing principles and minimum standards which have shaped university and people have more freedom at college further education provision and support to looked after and care experienced young and university and more responsibility for people. SECTOR themselves. All of the universities and many of the colleges in Northern Ireland have attained the UK Further Education provides opportunities to Buttle Quality Award which resulted in a structured, sustained approach to encourage go on to Higher Education at university or even in and promote participation and uptake by care leavers. Further Education colleges as well as pathways directly into employment or training programmes. Buttle UK ceased operation of the Quality Mark for care leavers in 2015 acknowledging that this cohort of young people were now recognised more properly and were being provided for within bespoke support and through the Widening Participation programmes.

Within Northern Ireland a culture and practice of supporting looked after and care experienced young people is well embedded across universities and further education colleges. A continued focus and emphasis is maintained through the Widening Participation strategy (Department for the Economy) and associated Widening Access Participation Plans and further strengthened through the forthcoming Programme for Government and through the Social Inclusion Project of the Further Education Strategy, Further Education Means Success.

This work is galvanised and supported through a multi-agency regional group on “Pathways to Further and Higher Education for Looked After and Care Experienced Young People”. The membership comprises of representatives from all colleges and universities in Northern Ireland, Department for the Economy, HSC Trusts, VOYPIC, Fostering Network and Include Youth and is hosted and facilitated by the Health and 14 Social Care Board. 15 Chapter FOUR ACCESS TO SUCCESS is the Department for Colleges and Universities in Northern Ireland should at least aim to provide the following to looked the Economy’s (DfE) regional strategy to widen after and care experienced young people as a minimum standard: participation in higher education among those groups which are currently under-represented, A NAMED in particular students from disadvantaged backgrounds and including students from a care MONEY background. It was launched in September 2012 CONTACT and has a strong focus on the creation of a more Every college and university with the Specifc fnancial support for students who accessible sector in which the people who are Quality Mark has someone who is there have been in care - this might be a bursary (money to help students during their course MOST ABLE but LEAST LIKELY to participate are to support looked after children and care given every encouragement and support to apply to, which they don’t have to pay back), or and to beneft from, higher education. leavers, both during the application stage advice about what extra funding they might and throughout their course. be entitled to as a care leaver. Signifcant progress has been made on a range of measures in the strategy. THESE INCLUDE: ACCOMMODATION SUPPORT • the launch in March 2014 of “Reach Higher”, a single, centralised and co-ordinated higher If students need help with where they are Someone to talk to about any worries or education awareness and aspiration raising living while at college or university there is problems. Many universities offer peer campaign to better communicate the benefts of someone they can speak to. At university mentoring schemes. higher education to under-represented sections of the community; they will offer accommodation for 365 days of the year to care leavers. • work on the introduction the “Reach” programme which aims to expand the range of aspiration and Each college and university offers lots more support for students with a care experience. Many will educational attainment raising programmes at offer support during the application process, as well as advice on how to manage fnances during the school, college, community and the workplace; course. Some also offer taster days and many universities will offer summer schools and other events to get young people thinking about university.

• the introduction of Widening Access and at the application stage so that they can provide Participation Plans – an amalgamation of Access more information about the support available Agreements and Widening Participation Strategic to the young person. If the young person’s Assessments into a single document which is application is made through UCAS, the young produced annually 12-18 months in advance of person should be encouraged to contact the It is important to remind young people when the proposed fee year. This includes a summary University’s dedicated advisor who will guide the applying to university or higher education of the institution’s widening participation strategy young person through any application process. institutions through UCAS or who are making and the groups it is targeting for interventions, a Similarly the young person with the support of an application to a further education college to his/her worker or carer should be encouraged to review of its past achievement against regional Tick The Box which asks if he / she has been make contact with the relevant FE college and benchmarks and a detailed programme of in care. This will enable universities, higher dedicated contact within the college who is there anticipated progress each year towards the education institutions and further education to support the young person through the process. institution’s own targets. colleges to make contact with the young person

16 17 Chapter FIVE WHAT IS FURTHER EDUCATION? If the young person is over 16, he / she could consider enrolling at a further education college on either a full-time or part-time basis. The range of courses provided by FURTHER colleges spans essential skills, a wide range of vocational and academic programmes at levels 2 and above and Higher Education programmes.

EDUCATION More and more pupils are choosing to go into further education and training to

recognised in industry and by higher education institutions. As well as the traditional A IN level route, the choices available include: NORTHERN There are six Further Education Vocational (FE) Colleges in Northern Ireland Diplomas Apprenticeships IRELAND located across the region. Details of their location can be accessed through www.delni.gov/index/further-and- Further education colleges are also important providers of higher education (HE) higher-education. courses. Them availability of higher education provision in local further education colleges means that higher level courses are much more accessible for students throughout Northern Ireland. This work aims to develop distinctive learning programmes, respond to local demand, develop education and training in higher-level skills, widen participation, and increase the accessibility of Higher Education. Students can study a wide range of courses in various formats including Higher National Each is committed to the Diplomas and Foundation degrees and full Honours degrees in Social Work. promotion of a caring, supportive

can work together in an atmosphere WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FURTHER EDUCATION LEARNING? king and ma pro of mutual respect, so that every student on b y si le it ci m il e s can achieve their full potential. There is b d o a , lv n i y o n a range of services provided to support i g t o l a s c k i students including robust safeguarding p i n l -c l lf s se onf u m arrangements. The Buttle UK Quality d d m

m e e e

s n o Mark is awarded to FE colleges that c

a c

d e e

e

demonstrate a commitment to young r c

n

c a

people in and leaving care. h n n i e

18 19 Chapter FIVE LLEG N CO E TA LI BELFAST METROPOLITAN COLLEGE O P is committed to opportunity, choice O R and excellence in education T FURTHER E provision. Provision for the M support of care leavers and care T S experienced young people A

F is integral to the college’s

L

EDUCATION E widening participation strategy.

B The strategy aims to support care experienced young COLLEGES IN people by raising aspirations, by encouraging applications and by ensuring student support for progression, retention and NORTHERN successful outcomes.

We have a Learning Support Offcer IRELAND dedicated to ensuring that young people get the package of support they require to be successful in their studies. AND DEDICATED SPECIALIST FOR BELFAST MET:

DEDICATED OONAGH MCGARRITY SPECIALISTS PHONE EMAIL

OMcGarrity FOR CARE LEAVERS 02890 265108 @belfastmet.ac.uk

21 Chapter FIVE The NORTH WEST REGIONAL COLLEGE ORTH N WE welcomes students from all backgrounds. We ST The NORTHERN REGIONAL COLLEGE R GE are committed to supporting students who E E G LL welcomes applications from those who are care leavers or who are currently in I O O C are currently in the care system, or care. We work closely with Health and N Social Care Teams within the Trusts to A L L A who have left it. We work closely support and offer impartial guidance N with the Health and Social C O to care leavers and young people in O I care who want to attend the North L G Care Trusts to ensure that L

E any students in this situation West Regional College (NWRC) E R and achieve a qualifcation. G

have as much support as they E N Before a young person attends

R want to assist them with their NWRC we will: E • Offer the young person and his/

H studies.

T her Carer/Social Worker a visit to

R All support packages are the college to view facilities.

O N tailored to meet individual • Help students access additional student needs. This support support services including counseling, learning support, fnancial is monitored and re-assessed advice and careers advice and guidance. throughout the year by an allocated • Give a named contact to support the member of staff. young person with the application process and throughout his / her time at the college. Named contacts help facilitate the smooth referral and transition of young people who may be considering Further Education as an option. We encourage Social Workers, Personal Advisors and Employability Workers to meet the college student support team. DEDICATED SPECIALIST FOR NRC: DEDICATED SPECIALIST FOR NWRC:

STEPHEN MCCARTNEY Shannon Doherty

PHONE EMAIL PHONE EMAIL

stephen.mccartney shannon.doherty 028 2563 6254 @nrc.ac.uk 02871 278 709 @nwrc.ac.uk

22 23 Chapter FIVE With a proud history of inclusion the The SOUTH EASTERN REGIONAL COLLEGE GE EASTER E SOUTHERN REGIONAL COLLEGE (SERC) recognises that the challenges facing TH N R LL U EG looked after children and care leavers as SO IO O (SRC) continues to ensure that the N C enormous. Applying for and succeeding A L quality of care and support for within Further Education can seem L A C N looked after children and care daunting to looked after and care O O I L leavers offer the best possible experienced young people as they L G E E face the additional challenges of opportunities for them to enter G

R and continue on programmes limited family support, fnancial E N disadvantage and sometimes

R of study at the College struggling to fnd somewhere to E

H and make their aspirations live. At SERC we aim to help

T achievable. Southern Regional fnd solutions to these challenges U

O College demonstrates a robust and we encourage all looked after

S widening participation strategy to children or care leavers to disclose that they have experienced the ensure that students from a care care system. This information will background can access a package be passed directly to the Pastoral Care of support – fnancial, pastoral and Team who will then make contact with educational. The Southern Regional College the young person to discuss their particular recognises the challenges that young people leaving care face when entering a circumstances and the options available to them. All information will stay in strict confdence and will not be passed on without prior college environment and are committed to ensuring that we provide the support consent. We have dedicated Student Support Staff who can tailor any support necessary to ensure they achieve their goals. required directly to a young person’s needs. Roger Duncan is the dedicated specialist for care leavers. DEDICATED SPECIALIST FOR SRC: DEDICATED SPECIALIST FOR SERC:

RAYMOND MALLON ROGER DUNCAN

PHONE EMAIL PHONE EMAIL 028 926 77225 028 3025 9677 [email protected] [email protected] ext1710

24 25 Chapter FIVE

The SOUTH WEST COLLEGE is committed to ensuring that it provides HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION E a quality service and support to G E children in care and young care L L leavers. Learners have access O http://www. C welbni.org/index. to a dedicated Student Support T cfm/do/StudFin

S team across the South West E College including Personal

W An application can be FORM Tutors, Pastoral Support,

H made as follows...

T Financial Support, Learning U

O Support and Careers. The S Download a form from the college recognises that looked Forms and Guides section of after children and care leavers are a particularly vulnerable group and www.welbni.org/ is committed to ensuring that the quality feapplication of care and support it provides, at both the EMAIL admission and enrollment stage, will enable them to enter and continue on their chosen career path. feawards @welbni.org

for an application DEDICATED SPECIALIST FOR SWC:

SHARON PRITCHARD Each FE produces an annual college prospectus which provides information on full time and part time courses and course entry requirements. It advises on details of course commencement PHONE EMAIL dates and information about how to make an application which is Application forms can normally made directly to the be accessed through sharon.pritchard relevant college through the the relevant college 0845 603 1881 @swc.ac.uk college admissions offce. website.

26 27 Chapter FIVE

There is a range of fnancial provisions available depending on the course of PAYMENT OF TUITION FEES STUDENT study, for example: Where tuition fees do apply as in Full-Time Higher Education (HE) Courses (e.g. HND or Foundation Degree) the Student Loan Company will provide a Tuition • Student Loans Fee Loan. Course Fees are listed in the course timetable provided. ELB grants • Student Grants include: MONEY • Educational Maintenance Allowance • Tuition Fees one: EMA Students do not have to pay fees if If the young person is a UK resident and under 20 years old on 30 June 201 , studying a Further Education (FE) 8 MATTERS he / she can apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). course. Depending on entitlements a young person could receive up to £30 per week These course levels are: plus 2 bonus payments of £100 per year, for coming to college.

Level 2 Diploma Visit www.emani.gov.uk for further information. Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma Foundation Art & Design two: BUS PASS

NVQ Levels 1, 2 & 3 UK Residents Only City & Guilds Level 3 If a student (on a full-time course) under 19 years of age on 1st July 2018 and lives more than 3 miles from the nearest College, he/she can apply for a NCTJ Level 3 Diploma in Bus Pass. Journalism If selecting to study a Higher Education (HE) course the payment of fees does three: FREE SCHOOLMEAL apply in respect of: OCR Level 4 Diploma in ALLOWANCES Administration

(Business Professional) If a student (on a full-time course) has not attained the age of 18 years before the 31st July in the year the course commences and who fall into one of the Higher National Diploma (HND) prescribed categories, he/she can apply for free meals and a clothing & Foundation Degree allowance. Details and application forms are available from the Education Authority Regional Offices and Student Support Offices in local colleges.

28 29 Chapter FIVE four: FURTHER EDUCATION seven: CARE TO LEARN

This is a support scheme which is available to students aged between 16-20 (FE) COURSES years old, where a young person may be eligible for full support for registered The arrangements for applying for Further Education Awards have not childcare whilst going to college to study. Application should be made to the changed with the creation of the Education Authority (EA).The Western Student Services at the young person’s College. Region, on behalf of the five regions of the Education Authority, offers a limited number of Further Education Awards each year for full and part-time courses for students undertaking courses up to and including Level 3.The closing date for applications for funding for full time courses is 1st September eight: ADDITIONAL 2017 and 29th September 2017 for part time courses. Eligible students who submit an application by 30 June 2017 will be guaranteed funding. SUPPORT FUND (ASF) It is important that application is made early to avoid disappointment. This form can be downloaded from http://www.eani.org.uk/i-want-to/apply-for-a- This fund is to help support those with learning diffculties or disabilities further-education-award/. enrolling on Further Education provision. Support can be provided based on Contact the Western region of the Education Authority for further information. individual need and can be either providing technical equipment or personal 028 8225 4546 / 824121 support. Those declaring a learning diffculty or disability will be assessed upon enrollment to determine the level and type of support required to * participate in their course of study.

five: HARDSHIP FUND Colleges also receive funding to facilitate the provision of discrete classes *A non-repayable means tested fund specifcally for students who, as a result of the nature or degree of their disability/learning diffculty, are unable to participate in mainstream provision. The Colleges may provide help to students with evidence of fnancial hardship These classes would typically have fewer students and also permanent via the College Hardship Fund. UK Students who are aged 18+ may be eligible classroom assistants to provide the extra support needed. to get help with costs such as fees, maintenance, travel, accommodation, books and materials. Early application to local offces of the If applying for a FE course, please Education Authority is advised because apply, using the FE Award Application An application form can be picked up from the College Student Service/ forms are processed in the order they and Assessment Form, to: Support Offces. are received. Contact should be made with the relevant ELB to ascertain the Student Awards Section closing date for application. Western Area, six: CHILDCARE Educational Authority Regardless of whether the College has Hospital Road, Full-time students may be eligible for assistance with childcare costs. Applications can be made through the FE Awards or Hardship Fund. Details and application forms are available from the offered the young person a place on a OMAGH, Education Authority Regional Offices and Student Support Offices in local colleges. course, an application should be made County Tyrone, as the young person can change his/ BT79 0AW Application can be made directly to: www.student inanceni.co.uk her course choice at a later date. 30 31 Chapter FIVE nine: CHOICES PLUS ten: HSC FINANCIAL Choices Plus is open to lone parents throughout Northern Ireland who would SUPPORT like to return to training and education in their local area. Funded by the EU’s In line with Trust responsibilities to support young people in education the ESF programme and designed to complement government programmes, it responsible Trust is required to undertake a fnancial needs assessment offers support and bursaries to help with the costs associated with returning to with the young person well in advance of embarking on his / her course of study, including childcare, travel and course fees. study. The fnancial assessment should clearly set out the expenditure and associated costs that will be incurred and the sources of funding available In addition, Choices Plus supports lone parents to progress towards that will enable the young person to embark on and sustain the course of employment by providing professional careers advice and guidance, work study. The cost calculator should take account of accommodation / rent, placements with local employers to gain experience, welfare rights advice living allowance for food, service charges relating to accommodation, clothing, incorporating “better-off” calculations, ongoing mentoring and support with job equipment / materials necessary for study, travel, feld trips that may be search, job applications and interview preparation. associated with the course etc.

Places are limited so we recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Where sources of funding external to the Trust do not meet the full costs of If you are interested in fnding out more information please contact Avril on studies the Trust should make a grant payable to the young person to ensure 02890231417. that full costs are met and that there is no fnancial Claire from Belfast was disincentive to the young person pursuing a participant on Choices S PLUS studies in further education. The Trust Plus for one year while E ? should maintain contact with the young Guidance on the she completed the NEB IC “Choices Plus has person and have an understanding of Financial Arrangements Certifcate in Dental O opened so many doors the young person’s ongoing progress. Nursing. Student Support Services within the to Support Looked After H for me; it was a big step for me moving back into work and without FE colleges are a primary source of or Care Experienced Young support for the young person and She received help towards C the support and fnancial assistance People Undertaking Studies her course fees and equally for staff and carers who childcare costs. After from the project I don’t think it would are seeking to identify sources of in Further Education Y qualifying she secured have been possible. It has made a fnancial and other forms of support Colleges

part time employment at a H defnite improvement to myself and my for young people.

local dental surgery. children’s lives. Choices Plus is great 2017 W and I would highly recommend it” Such support should be maximised. Trusts She really enjoys being should undertake to review the fnancial arrangements put in place for the young person on a back at work and feels - CLAIRE FROM BELFAST it has been benefcial regular basis. for both herself and her children.

32 33 Chapter SIX

FOOD TECHNOLOGY AT LOUGHRY CAMPUS CAFRE delivers a specifc range of courses and specialist facilities across College of its three campuses: FOOD TECHNOLOGY AT LOUGHRY CAMPUS Agriculture, Food and Rural

Enterprise AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT (CAFRE) ATGREENMOU

There are three CAFRE courses are designed to prepare NT young people for future employment. CAFRE campuses in Lectures and tutorials are combined with Northern Ireland located in practical sessions to allow application of Enniskillen, Greenmount learning to real situations. and Loughry. CAFRE courses are designed to prepare young people for future employment. Lectures and tutorials are combined with practical sessions to allow application of learning to real situations.

CAFRE ofers a range of CAFRE is “Small and Special” student services including CAFRE provide opportunities to progress “You are treated as an a Student Support Ofcer, on to higher courses. Details of further individual at CAFRE. Staf accommodation, medical and higher education courses are are friendly and approachable available on the CAFRE website: (http:// service, support for students and make sure that you are with disabilities and www.cafre.ac.uk/) Two CAFRE prospectuses for FE and HE supported both personally and counselling services. give information on entry requirements, academically to achieve your range of courses, application process and potential” progression on to higher education through to Foundation Degree or Honours Degree.

34 34 35 Chapter SIX

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FURTHER Financial Support for living expenses is means tested and available to students living in Northern Ireland. Students LIVING EDUCATION COURSES AT CAFRE of any age on a full time further education course or a EXPENSES sandwich course at Enniskillen, Greenmount or Loughry CAFRE has a published document on “Further Education Financial Support Campus are eligible for a living expenses grant. GRANT for Students in CAFRE”, 2017/2018 which provides information on the financial help that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has put The maximum amount of living expenses available is: in place for full time further education students for academic year 2017/18. FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE: Living Expenses Grant TUITION Tuition fees for full time students on FE courses are paid in full by FEES DAERA. Student living in Campus Halls of Residence or in lodging £2,092

Students living in parental home £1,674

This is available through CAFRE and provides help for students on HARDSHIP lower income who may need extra fnancial support for their course The grant is usually paid in three instalments, one at the start of each term. and to stay in further education. Application forms are available from FUND the campus and should be returned to CAFRE. Application for fnancial support can be accessed through the Education Authority or CAFRE Admissions for a DAERA Further Education Award Application and Assessment Form. The form can also be downloaded from www.eani.org.uk/feapplication.

Assistance with childcare can be claimed if a registered or approved The completed DAERA FE Award Application and Assessment form should be childcare provider / childminder is being used. Details of eligibility returned to the Education Authority who will assess the application and send a CHILDCARE and the application process are available in the Financial Support Financial Assessment Notifcation to advise on the amount of award. GRANT for Students in 2016/17 publication or online at: http://www.eani.org. uk/i-want-to/apply-for-a-further-education-award/forms-and-leafets/

SUPPORT Application for support can be made where a student has a physical FOR disability, a mental health diffculty, long term illness or specifc STUDENTS learning disability. Contact should be made with CAFRE Student WITH Support Offcers for advice on the support available (Telephone DISABILITIES Number: 028 9442 6861).

36 37 Chapter SIX

HIGHER EDUCATION COSTS: A loan can be made available to assist with living expenses and is repayable on completion of studies; it is MAINTENANCE means tested. LOAN Maximum and minimum amounts for 2017/18 are:

Tuition fee costs for degree courses TUITION Maximum Minimum for 17/18 are £1,465 per annum for a full-time undergraduate course FEES and approximately half that for the Living at Home £3,750 £2,812 full placement year. Tuition fee loans are non means tested and available to cover Living in Lodgings £4,840 £3,630 tuition fee costs. As per the Regional Guidance Documents on Financial Support to Looked After Application should be made to and Care Experienced Young People in Further or Higher Education students www.studentfnanceni.co.uk who are Looked After are not expected or required to apply for a maintenance loan. Trusts are required to undertake a fnancial assessment with each young person based on an agreed cost calculator which expects Trusts to meet the assessed costs of enabling and supporting a young person through further or higher education costs, with the exception of tuition fee costs.

MAINTENANCE There is a non-repayable grant which MAKING APPLICATION: GRANT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: As soon as an application is made is means tested on household income. Other allowances available to to CAFRE application for fnancial The maximum grant available in provide extra help with living support should be made and should 2017/18 is £3,475, if household expenses depending on individual not be delayed pending the offer of a income is less than £19,203. circumstances include: place.

Application should be made to • Parent’s Learning Allowance Application can be made from March • Childcare Grant www.studentfnanceni.co.uk onward through the Education • Adult Dependent’s Grant Authority at • Disabled Student’s Allowance www.studentfnanceni.co.uk

38 39 Chapter SIX

ACCOMODATION:

Not all students live on CAFRE campuses however CAFRE does provide low cost on site accommodation with a range of amenities, laundry and recreational facilities. Priority for onsite accommodation is given to students under 18 years of age, students with special needs and frst year students.

Costs vary depending on the type of accommodation allocated Dedicated but fall within the region of £1,410 and £1,900. These charges include heating and electricity. Specialists for CAFRE: A catering package must be taken for those living in under 18 accommodation which costs in the region of £630-£960 per annum depending on campus.

Accommodation staff are Michelle McKenna Student Support Offcer: available on each campus to Enniskillen Campus Alison Young offer advice and assistance: 028 6634 4832 028 9442 6861

[email protected] Brian Simpson / Barry Kelly Greenmount Campus 028 9426 5501 028 9442 6911 Student Finance Offcer: Karen Patterson Judith Mullan Loughry Campus 028 9052 5572 Ext: 25572

028 8676 8139 [email protected]

40 41 Chapter SIX HIGHER EDUCATION IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Higher Education (HE) is where a young person can study at an advanced level normally after turning 18 years old. In Northern Ireland there are fve Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Details of the specifc institutions and respective locations can be sourced through https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/universities- and-colleges-northern-ireland. HER ED IG UC Higher education courses are usually studied at universities, university colleges and H A Further Education Regional Colleges. However, some courses can be studied at F Higher Education helps T specialist colleges, for example, agriculture, horticulture, food or equine studies. O young people to develop IO BER: S qualities and skills that employers N M T E I value. For this reason a higher ? If a young person M F MEANS: does not think higher education qualifcation can lead to Continuing E education is for him / her E better jobs, a wider range of employment to study at a at the moment, it is not university, university R college or FE Regional a problem, and it doesn’t N opportunities, a more rewarding career and

College to an even higher mean he/she won’t be E level. increased earning potential. able to reapply at a

STUDY FOR: later stage. B POSTGRADUATE EDUCATIONMasters Degree or PhD

(i.e. become a Dr of your chosen subject). Higher Education also allows people to E

H experience a rich cultural and social

MEANS: Studying at a university, university college or higher T scene, meet diferent people and

education institution or further education college.

studyE something that people are

STUDY FOR:

Degree, Higher National Diploma, Foundation R

A really interested in.

Degree etc (full-time for two to three years, or part-time for

HIGHER EDUCATION up to fve or six years). T A H W

MEANS: Studying at a sixth form or further education college.

STUDY FOR: AS, A2, ACCESS COURSES, BTEC or Diploma (normally for two years). FURTHER EDUCATION

MEANS: Secondary School up to 18 years old.

STUDY FOR: GCSEs, AS, A2. SECONDARY SCHOOL

42 43 Chapter SIX

HEIs IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND STRANMILLIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DEDICATED CONTACTS FOR CARE LEAVERS

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Stranmillis University College currently offers care experience applicants and students a range of fnancial, pastoral and academic support for the duration of any of our 4 undergraduate St Mary's University College welcomes applications degree programmes. These supports include, from students who have been looked after by their for example, an overall cash bursary of between Trust/local authority in foster or residential care. £2,400 and £3,400 (depending on whether it is a 3-year or 4-year degree pathway); a full non-means Dedicated Contact for Dedicated Contact for We offer a range of support for those leaving care or tested year round free Halls Accommodation or St Mary’s University College: Stranmillis University College: who have previously spent time in care. equivalent; assistance with moving and transport Susan Morgan between accommodation; pre-interview support; a Bronagh McKee This support includes fnancial help, assistance with pre-entry preparation course; and a dedicated care 028 9026 8250 028 9038 4405 accommodation, access to counseling, careers and leaver co-ordinator available for confdential one-to- study skills support and the advice and guidance of a [email protected] one support for the duration of the degree. [email protected] dedicated student support team. 44 45 Chapter SIX ULSTER UNIVERSITY QUEENS UNIVERSITY, BELFAST

Ulster University encourages Those full time undergraduates who Queen’s University, Belfast welcomes a dedicated contact person who can applications from students and will meet this criterion are eligible for £1000 applications from prospective students liaise with University Schools on advise young people who have been Care Leavers Bursary per year whilst who have experience of care and can students behalf if they are experiencing looked after by their Trust / local studying at Ulster University. provide a range of support as well as any diffculties with their studies and Authority in foster or residential care. access to a dedicated contact during access to counseling, careers and study If a young person is leaving care or the pre and post entry stages. Queen’s skills support throughout their time at has previously spent time in care for has recently been awarded the Buttle University. three months or more and is thinking UK Quality Mark. The University of applying to the University, there is Dedicated Contact for provides a range of services to a young Dedicated Contact for Ulster University: Queens University: a range of services and provision that person who has been in Social Services Ulster University can offer. For example, Paul Cassidy or local authority care including; Deirdre Lynskey we may be able to provide fnancial access to independent fnancial advice support, year round accommodation 028 716 75233 with the Student Financial Adviser, 028 9097 1567 and advice and guidance from our accommodation options with priority [email protected] [email protected] Student Support Outreach Advisor. placements and 52 week contracts; 46 47 Chapter SIX OPEN UNIVERSITY Our dedicated Student Support Teams will maintain individualised support throughout the educational journey, including guidance in choosing study pathways and careers advice.

For Open University students there are grants to help towards the cost of tuition fees. There are two types of grant available which may cover some or all of the costs of studying: HOW DO I APPLY TO HIGHER EDUCATION? • Fee grant – a means-tested grant of up to • Application to higher education is usually The exceptions are: As an open Higher Education Institution £1230 to help towards the cost of module through UCAS (http://www.ucas.com) • St Mary’s University College • UCAS stands for the 'Universities and • The Open University in every sense of the word, The Open fees. The amount awarded depends on Colleges Admissions Service'. • The FE Regional College University welcomes applications from income and the number of credits you are • UCAS aim is to help students make informed In the case of St Mary’s and the Open University care experienced young people. The studying. choices that are right for them, guiding them, applications for all courses must be made directly UCAS process does not apply to The Open as well as their parents and advisers, through to the institution. In the case of the FE Regional the entire higher education application University. Instead, candidates simply enroll Colleges a small number of courses are applied • Course grant – help towards study costs, process. to through UCAS but for the majority of higher on our website - http://www.open.ac.uk/ like a laptop, internet access or travel to • UCAS processes over 2.5 million applications education courses application is made directly every year, for some 650,000 prospective to the college. Application information can be courses. tutorials. students across the UK and beyond: helping obtained from each Regional College website. them gain access to more than 340 UK For most undergraduate degree programmes The online eligibility checker will help universities and colleges. Entry Requirements there are no academic entry requirements. candidates work out if they qualify for Entry requirements are a guideline of the However, there are diagnostic tasters which We also run several specialist application recommended academic ability the course fnancial support: services – GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training provider expects the young person to have. offer an opportunity for candidates to check http://css2.open.ac.uk/fafcalculator/eligibility. Registry), UKPASS (UK Postgraduate their readiness for study at higher education aspx Application and Statistical Service) and CUKAS Each course has different requirements – usually level. Candidates may also initially register (Conservatoires UK Admissions Service). a mix of qualifcations, subjects or exam grades they recommend the applicant to have for an Access Module” “test the water” and to Dedicated Contact for UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to or to be working towards. It is good advice to see if distance learning suits them. Distance higher education with a mission to: check when searching for courses. There is Open University: learning means that there is no need to move “Create value for members plenty of support in higher education for care leavers – with fnances and accommodation - close to a university or college – students Janette Nhangaba through shared services; and as well as supporting the young person in new study at a time and place that suits them. Fee deliver admissions services that surroundings. waivers are available to students on certain 028 902 45025 help applicants make the right benefts or a low income to help with costs View video link below: choices, for the right reasons and http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/ and our Student Registration Team will guide [email protected] with the right outcomes”. explore-your-options/individual-needs/ applicants through the application process. advice-care-leavers 48 49 Chapter SIX

If a young person normally lives in Northern Eligibility A care experienced young person may be eligible for a Special Support Grant if he / she: Ireland he / she may be eligible for funding from Student Finance NI – a partnership between the Department for Employment and Learning in CAN A YOUNG Northern Ireland, the Student Loans Company and the PERSON GET Education Authority in Northern has a partner is from abroad is waiting to Ireland. To get the funding, the who is also a has been and is entitled go back to a student; one has a disability is deaf and treated as to an Income course having young person and the course of or both of you and qualify for qualify for incapable of Support Urgent taken agreed HIGHER EDUCATION study must be eligible for it. is a is responsible the disability Disabled work for a Cases Payment time out from lone parent; for a child or premium or Students’ continuous because he/she that course young person severe Allowances; period of at is temporarily due to an FUNDING IN See www.studentfnanceni. under 20 who disability least 28 weeks; without funds illness or caring co.uk for further details. is in full-time premium; for a period responsibility non-advanced of up to six that has now NORTHERN education; weeks; ended. To apply, print off the Application Letter for Special Support Grant on Student Finance NI’s website or phone 0300 100 0077 requesting the form and send it to the local Education and Library Board IRELAND? (ELB) along with evidence. A care experienced young HSC TRUST FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT person will be entitled to apply Evidence In line with Trust responsibilities to support young online for: • a passport or birth certifcate to prove people in education the responsible Trust is required • A Tuition Fee Loan age; to undertake a fnancial needs assessment with • A Maintenance Loan • a letter from the college or university; the young person well in advance of embarking on • a copy of tax credit award; his / her course of study. The fnancial assessment • A Maintenance Grant or • a copy of a letter from the Department should clearly set out the expenditure and associated Special Support Grant* for Work and Pensions which show costs incurred and the sources of funding available that will enable the young person to embark on and receipt of beneft as a lone parent; sustain the course of study. Where sources of funding *Special Support Grant • a letter, on company header The Special Support Grant currently pays up to £3,475 external to the Trust do not meet the full costs of depending on household income and is intended to paper, from a professional person studies the Trust should make a grant payable to the help with additional course related costs such as books, who knows the young person’s young person to ensure that full costs are met and equipment, travel or childcare. In the main a care circumstances and can confrm that that there is no fnancial disincentive to the young experienced young person will not need to be concerned the young person is a lone parent. person pursuing studies in further education. The Trust with household income. A professional person can be, for should maintain contact with the young person and Entitlement is calculated in the same way as the example, a doctor, lawyer, teacher, have an understanding of the young person’s ongoing Maintenance Grant but will not affect the amount of progress. Student Support Services within the HEIs police offcer or minister of religion. Maintenance Loan that a young person may be entitled are a primary source of support for the young person to receive. Jobcentre Plus or the local authority’s Please note: if the young person is and equally for staff and carers who are seeking to Housing Beneft section will not take account of the eligible to receive a Special Support Special Support Grant when assessing any claim identify sources of fnancial and other forms of support Grant he/she will not be eligible for a made for income related benefts. for young people. Such support should be maximised. Maintenance Grant.

50 51 Chapter SEVEN LIVING COSTS To help with the cost of accommodation, food, clothing, books, travel expenses the young person may be eligible for a Maintenance Grant or a Special Support Grant*, which does not require repayment and a Maintenance Loan, which must be paid back STUDENT FINANCE NI when the young person reaches a certain income bracket when in employment. MAINTENANCE LOAN: Students leaving the care of the Health and Social Care Trusts or local authority are MAINTENANCE GRANT AND SPECIAL SUPPORT GRANT: • The Maintenance Loan is classed as independent by Student Finance NI providing that they have not returned to • These grants are to help with living costs. to assist with living costs. the care of their parent(s). This means that their assessment of student support will not • It must be paid back after • They do not need to be repaid. be based on the household income of their parent(s). completion of the course. As household income is not taken into account, single • A young person can get either the Maintenance Grant or the Special • Interest will be charged on

independent students will be entitled to the maximum Student fnance includes: the amount borrowed. Support Grant, not both. Maintenance Grant. This is in addition to the other support • A Tuition Fee loan available, such as loans for fees and living costs. • A Maintenance Grant The Grant does not have to be repaid. • A Maintenance Loan MAINTENANCE GRANT AMOUNT AND MAINTENANCE LOAN AMOUNT* HOW MUCH WILL UNIVERSITY COST? Household income will not be applicable for care leavers, but may be included if the Thinking about and clarifying fnancial options, such as tuition fees and living costs, are young person has a partner. essential to assisting a young person to make a decision to go to university or college. There is a range of expenses associated with going to university, for example, tuition If the total annual household income is: The amount available is: fees, accommodation and living costs. Each young person needs to know about the overall cost of being at university, sources of income, repayment implications and be £19,203 or less Full grant (£3,475) assisted to work out a budget plan to fully understand how expenses will be covered.

HOW MUCH CAN THE YOUNG PERSON GET? * Which can a young person get? The Special Support Grant is based on your eligibility for income support or other This will depend on where in the United Kingdom the young person decides to study. means-tested benefts, such as, Housing Beneft. For example, if the young person: Universities and colleges in Northern Ireland can charge up to £4,030 for tuition fees in academic year 2017/18. The young person can get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full • is a single parent amount of tuition fees the university or college is charging, up to a maximum of £4,030 • has a partner who is also a student in academic year 2017/18. • has certain disabilities

Universities and colleges in England, Scotland With the Special Support Grant (unlike the Maintenance Grant) the Maintenance Loan and Wales can charge up to £9,250 for tuition will not be reduced. Additionally, it does not count as income when working out income • A young person can get a Tuition Fee fees in academic year 2017/18. If the young related benefts or tax credits. Loan to cover all or part of the tuition person is studying in one of these countries, he / fees. she can get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full BURSARIES FROM UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES • The young person needs to pay it amount of tuition fees the university or college is back after he/she has fnished the Some universities and colleges offer bursaries depending on household income, the course. charging, up to a maximum of £9,250. course of study or the tuition fee being charged. The amount a young person is entitled • The young person will be charged to receive can be different depending on the university or college. interest on any amount borrowed. The amount the young person is charged may vary depending on the course or the university • The money is paid directly to the Information on bursaries can be obtained from the institution’s Widening Access and university or college, not to the young or college chosen to attend. Contact should be Participation Plan for 201 /1 which is available on the university / college website. TUITION FEES: FACTS FEES: TUITION person. made with the university or college directly for 7 8 more information. Alternatively, you can make contact with the university or college to fnd out more about the bursaries they offer. 52 53 £ Chapter SEVEN

There is also extra help available for £ HOW AND WHEN THE YOUNG PERSON REPAYS students with children or adults who The young person will start to repay the loan from the April depend on them fnancially and students STUDENT following the date the young person graduates or leaves the EXTRA HELP who have disabilities. course. The young person will pay 9% of anything earned over STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN OR 3. Register of Support Providers LOAN £17,775 (17/18) before tax per year. For example: ADULT DEPENDANTS Through DSAs the DfE also provides Annual Monthly Weekly There are extra grants available if the young funding to meet the administration costs of Period REPAYMENT Repayment Repayment Repayment person has children or if there are any adults a Register of Support Providers in each of Applicable: Threshold: Threshold: Threshold: who depend on the young person fnancially. the two Northern Ireland universities. The The young person would not have to pay Register of Support Providers is a unique 6/4/17 - 5/4/18 £17,495 £1,457 £336 any of these back. service which provides one to one personal £ support to disabled students registered If the young person has an employer, repayment deductions will be taken directly from the young person’s pay slip. For more STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES on recognised higher education courses at any of the colleges or universities in information refer to the section Repaying through Pay As You 1. Disabled Students Allowances Northern Ireland. The Register maintains Earn (PAYE). (Higher Education) and develops a resource of freelance If the young person is self-employed, the young person will When a student with learning diffculties and/ professional and non-professional support need to complete a self- assessment form and return it with any or disabilities applies for a Higher Education providers, who act in specialist roles to payment by 31 January following the relevant tax year. course they are encouraged to apply for support disabled students. The student’s Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) to support needs are assessed, and the WHAT HAPPENS IF THE YOUNG PERSON LEAVES A help cover the extra costs of any support student is “matched” with the appropriate COURSE DURING THE YEAR they may require throughout their course support provider(s). Support providers £ If a young person leaves the course during the year the young as a direct result of their disability, mental include audio-typists, note-takers, dyslexia person will pay back the following amount of the Tuition Fee health condition or specifc learning diffculty. coaches, study skills mentors, sign language Loan. DSAs can help with the cost of non-medical interpreters and campus assistants. The support providers, major items of specialist Tuition Fee Loan young Register offers support, guidance and If you leave: person has to repay: equipment, travel and other costs. A student training to those who deliver the non-medical can apply at any time before or during their helper support. The Register supports Before you register for the course: Nothing course, and the amount they can get does colleges and universities in meeting their not depend on their income or their family duties under the Special Educational Before the end of term 1: 25% income. This allowance does not have to be Needs and Disability Order (2005) repaid. £ (SENDO). SENDO means that colleges Before the end of term 2: 50% and universities have both anticipatory 2. Disability Needs Assessment and reactive duties to accommodate the Before the end of term 3: 100% Through DSAs the Department for the needs of disabled students by making Economy provides funding to meet the costs reasonable adjustments. Where necessary of a Disability Needs Assessment for each these adjustments will include essential student who presents at the HE Institution adaptations to student accommodation to with a disability. This is an assessment of the meet the needs of disabled students. support needs of the student including their specialist equipment requirements and non- medical support provider needs.

54 55 £ Chapter EIGHT OOK BLIC OF I B U RE D EP L N A A This CAO Handbook gives R N H information on application and E D O admission procedures only. H ? T A http://www2.cao.ie/handbook/ APPLYING TO C N I STUDY IN THE handbook/hb.pdf SOUTH OF

G IRELAND Application should not be made for any

N

course without frst consulting the I

information literature of the institution Y Empowering People in Care

ofering that course.

D (EPIC) is an independent

U association that works T throughout the Republic of Ireland,

S with and for children and young WHERE DOES CAO OPERATE FROM? people who are currently living in care The CAO Application System operates from the CAO premises at: or who have had an experience of living in care. This includes those in residential care, foster ADDRESS care, hostel, high support & special care. EPIC also works with young Tower House, people preparing to leave care and in aftercare. Eglinton Street, OFFICE CONTACT TIMES If a young person is planning to study in the Republic of Ireland it is Galway recommended that contact is made with EPIC’s advocacy advisors. Offce: 09:00am to 1:00pm http://www.epiconline.ie and 2:00 to 5:00pm PHONE (091) 509800 HOW TO APPLY FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE Telephone: 09:30am to 1:00pm COURSE IN IRELAND? and 2:00pm to 5:00pm

If a young person is applying to study in Ireland as an EU citizen, FAX application for all undergraduate courses is through the Central (091) 562344 Monday through Friday Applications Offce (CAO), unless otherwise stated. The CAO provides an application pack with a handbook, which lists all the courses on offer and information on how to apply to each one. Applications must be WEBSITE submitted online, which makes the process even easier. www.cao.ie Application may be made online on this website.

56 57 Chapter NINE WHAT WE DO: Deliver services to children Promote foster care CHAPTER and young people that to ensure society beneft them, make their understands, values and NINE voices heard and enable recognises how foster them to reach their carers transform children’s potential lives

ORGANISATIONS OUR VISION All children in foster care enjoy the Support fostering families very best life chances and have the Infuence policy and WHO opportunity to achieve their full potential. and the services that work legislative framework so SUPPORT with them to provide the OUR MISSION it supports and promotes To improve the lives and life chances best possible care for of children in foster care. We work with excellence in foster care CARE children and young people, fostering children and young people families and the services that support LEAVERS them. The Fostering Network gives advice to approved Provides a 24 hour legal foster and kinship foster and stress counseling carers on practical and helpline legal matters, fnance and welfare benefts

58 59 Chapter NINE Examples of Fostering Achievement PATHWAYS TO FOSTERING THE FUTURE provision includes: UNIVERSITY PROJECT

• One to one Tuition RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES Fostering the Future is an innovative • Driving lessons new Fostering Network NI project funded The Fostering Network work in partnership by The Big Lottery’s Reaching Out • Sports lessons or equipment with Ulster University to deliver the Empowering Young People Programme • Educational materials Pathways to University Residential which aims to work directly with foster Schemes during the summer. These • Computer equipment carers and young people in foster care schemes are targeted at young people to meet their training, development and aged 15 – 17 years of age and the aim In addition to direct educational provision support needs. the Fostering Achievement scheme is to raise young people’s aspirations by giving them an opportunity to experience delivers a summer programme of The key areas of work for children and university life and encourage them to activities to 200 young people, organises young people within the Fostering the apply in the future. All young people who Achievement Awards in each of the Health Future project include combating negative participate receive an OCN qualifcation and Social Care Trust areas as well as life events, increasing self-esteem and on Understanding Higher Education. This delivering the award winning Letterbox self- confdence, developing skills and scheme includes a range of activities to Club to all children in foster care and assisting with transitioning from child care give young people an opportunity to learn adopted children aged from 5 to 13 years. to adult independence. about university and gather information to enable them to make informed decisions FOSTERING in the future. They experience student ACHIEVEMENT SCHEME life for real, living in the halls of residence where they are responsible for their own The Fostering Network Northern Ireland budgeting and cooking during their stay delivers the Fostering Achievement TICK THE BOX and they can explore the social side of university with activities such as bowling Scheme which aims to improve The Fostering Network leads the “Tick and a movie night. educational attainment among children the Box” awareness campaign which in care. Fostering Achievement has encourages young people who have spent produced signifcant improvements in time in care to tick the box on the UCAS educational outcomes for children in care form or on the FE application form stating PHONE: and shows that with the right support that they have been in or are currently ADDRESS: all young people can achieve their full in care. This will enable them to get the potential. extra support they are entitled to and 028 9070 5056 may need while at university or in further The Fostering Network, The Fostering Achievement scheme education. Unit 10, funded by the Health and Social Care Board, makes direct educational provision 40 Montgomery Road, EMAIL: to children and young people in foster care and each year provides tailored Belfast, support to at least 1300 children and BT6 9HL [email protected] young people in foster care each year. 60 61 Chapter NINE VOYPIC works across Northern Ireland promoting the rights and improving the lives of children and young people in care. LONDONDERRY BELFAST AND VOYPIC SOUTH-EASTERN 13 Queen Street, VOYPIC Below is VOYPIC’s manifesto for children and young people in care and care leavers. Londonderry, 9-11 Botanic Avenue, BT48 7EG Belfast, Tel: 028 7137 8980 “It is our pledge that BT7 1JG we will work so that all children and young people... 1. Voice their views Tel: 028 9024 4888 and wishes in the planning and decision making for C their lives Voice of Young People in Care I VOYPIC ( ) is an independent Northern charity that promotes the rights and improves the lives of children and P young people in care. 2. Have a 3. Are supported to 4. Enjoy statutory right keep in touch and appropriate, We listen and learn from what children and Y young people tell us about their experience in care to independent enjoy contact with settled and secure to facilitate positive change in legislation, advocacy family and friends placements policy and practice.

We work in partnership with children,

O young people, staff, managers, 6. Are refected in

agencies and government.

positive images 7. Are supported V Our core services include advocacy, group work, 5. Are protected, personal support and coaching, and news stories to succeed in safe and never policy and research. that challenge and education, training exploited correct and employment stereotypes

LURGAN 8. Are supported to 9. Are supported VOYPIC 10. Enjoy good BALLYMENA Flat 12, make successful to address risky VOYPIC Mount Zion House, health and well- transitions to behaviour and 25 Castle Street, WEBSITE Edward Street, being while living Ballymena, www.voypic.org Lurgan, independence, minimise contact BT43 7BT BT66 6DB in and after leaving FOLLOW US ON adulthood and with the justice Tel: 028 2563 2641 Facebook and Twitter Tel: 028 3831 3380 care. economic stability system

62 63 Chapter NINE some of the personal barriers that prevent progression.

The model of delivery is a fexible and ADDRESS: young person centred, and is delivered by a dedicated and committed staff team of workers who adopt a Youth Work approach in Include Youth, their engagement with young people. Alpha House, Include Youth was established in 1979 young people from a care background aged and is an independent non-governmental 16 to 21. The service consists of fve core components: 3 Rosemary Street, organisation that actively promotes the Belfast, rights, best interests of and best practice with It is a pre-vocational employability • Training and Qualifcations disadvantaged and vulnerable children and programme which aims to improve the • Personal Development BT1 1QA young people. employability and increase the self-esteem • Work Experiences and confdence of vulnerable young • Volunteer Mentors Include Youth works primarily with and for people who are not ready to participate in • Transitional Support young people not in education, training or mainstream training and education. employment (NEET) and the organisation is The Transitional support component is PHONE: focused upon three core areas of work: These complex issues refect the barriers a recent development coming from the articulated in DEL’s Pathways to Success recognition that sustaining a positive move 028 9031 1007 one: infuencing policy – particularly Strategy and demonstrate that the young on to the next stage of a young person’s in the areas of youth justice and youth people engaged on Give and Take are employability journey depends on support employability. amongst the most vulnerable and needy structures, available resources and the group of NEET young people. These individual themselves. Young people who WEB: two: supporting other practitioners to develop barriers make it diffcult for this group of have been ‘NEET’ frequently do not have more rights based policies and practice. young people to engage with mainstream protective factors such as a stable home, education or training or to fnd employment. adequate income, supportive relationships or www.includeyouth.org three: enhancing the employability of young The complexity of issues and needs has confdence. Often transitions to mainstream people who are not in education, training implications on the model of support that can providers are diffcult for young people, or employment through the provision effectively be delivered to such young people. who succeed at a pre-vocational scheme of employability training and support Include Youth has developed a fexible, such as the Give and Take Scheme, only to TWITTER: programmes. highly supportive programme which not only experience a breakdown in their move on allows young people to remain engaged but placement. In response to this Include Youth The Give and Take scheme works sees them achieve qualifcations, experience has decided to pilot a Transition Support @includeyouth predominantly (but not exclusively) with the world of work and begin to address Service. 64 65 Chapter TEN

ND A L The HE T Handbook for Care Leavers: A Guide to the SCOTLAND, O Support available in HE C Scotland January 2014;

S Who Cares Trust E ENGLAND NG http://www.thewhocarestrust. The HE L org.uk/data/files/ A Handbook for Care H.E.Handbook_2014_ N Scotland.pdf Leavers: A Guide to the AND WALES: D Support available in HE England January 2014; RESOURCES ON Who Cares Trust http://www.thewhocarestrust. S org.uk/data/files/ SUPPORT FOR LE H.E.Handbook_2014_ A Further and Higher England.pdf Education Guide for young W people in and leaving care in LOOKED AFTER AND Wales, Information for 2014/2015; South West Wales, Reaching Wider CARE EXPERIENCED Partnership http://www.swansea.ac.uk/media/ Further%20and%20Higher%20 Education%20Guide%20for%20 YOUNG PEOPLE IN young%20people%20in%20and%20 leaving%20care%20in%20Wales. FE AND HEIs pdf 67 Chapter TEN: Appendix ONE

TRUST NAME LOCATION PHONE EMAIL Fairview 1, Mater Hospital Site, Belfast Hilary 47-51 Crumlin Road, 028 95041279 [email protected] Trust Walker Belfast, NDIX 1 BT14 6AB Alder House, Northern Julie E [email protected] Antrim, 028 94424600 Trust P Patterson BT41 4JE

P Ards Family Resource South Maurice Centre, James Street, Eastern 028 91818518 [email protected] Newtownards, A Trust Largey CONTACT BT23 4DY

Lisanally House, Southern Liz 87 Lisanally Lane, for Health and 028 37520562 [email protected] Trust Stevenson Armagh, BT61 7HW Social Care Trust Riverview House, Western Stephen Abercorn Road, 028 71266111 [email protected] Trust Services McLaughlin Londonderry

69 Chapter TEN: Appendix TWO

NORTH EASTERN EDUCATION AUTHORITY (NORTHERN IRELAND) Student Finance Section, Forestview, North Eastern Education and Library Board Purdy’s Lane, X County Hall, I 2 BELFAST, D 182 Galgorm Road, BT8 7AR N BALLYMENA, E County Antrim, Email: [email protected] P BT42 1HN P Email: [email protected] A SOUTHERN Contact Details BELFAST (NORTHERN IRELAND) Student Awards Section Belfast Education and Library Board, Student Awards Section, Southern Education and Library Board, 40 Academy Street, for Education and 3 Charlemont Place, BELFAST, The Mall, BT1 2NQ ARMAGH, BT61 9AX Library Boards Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

SOUTH EASTERN WESTERN (NORTHERN IRELAND) (NORTHERN IRELAND)

Student Awards Section South Eastern Student Awards Section Western Education Education and Library Board, and Library Board, Grahamsbridge Road, 1 Hospital Road, Dundonald, OMAGH, BELFAST, County Tyrone, BT16 2HS BT79 0AW

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

71 Chapter TEN: Appendix THREE University of Abertay Dundee Keele University University of Salford Aberystwyth University University of Kent University of Sheffeld Aston University Kingston University Sheffeld Hallam University Bangor University University of Leeds University of Southampton APPENDIX 3 University of Bath Leeds Metropolitan University Southampton Solent University Bath Spa University University of Leicester University of St Andrews University of Bedfordshire University of Lincoln St George’s, University of London University of Birmingham University of Liverpool Staffordshire University Birmingham City University Liverpool John Moores University University of Stirling Colleges and Blackpool and the Fylde College University College London Stoke on Trent College University of Bradford London South Bank University University of Strathclyde Universities Brighton University Loughborough University University of Sunderland University of Bristol The University of Manchester University of Surrey with Quality Brooklands College Neath Port Talbot College University of Sussex Brunel University New College Durham Swansea University Award Status Bucks New University Newcastle University University of Teesside University of Cambridge Newman University College Trinity University College University for The Creative Arts in England, Canterbury Christ Church University The University of Northampton University of the Arts London Cardiff University University of Northumbria Scotland and at Newcastle Ulster University University Of Chester Wakefeld College De Montfort University North Warwickshire and Hinckley University of Wales Institute, Cardiff College Wales University of East Anglia University of Wales, Newport University of East London University of Nottingham University of the West of Scotland Edge Hill University Nottingham Trent University University of West of England Edinburgh Napier University University of Oxford University of West London COMMITTED University of Exeter Oxford Brookes University University of Westminster Exeter College Plymouth University University of Winchester University College Falmouth University of Portsmouth University of Wolverhampton PROVIDERS University of Glamorgan Queen Mary, University of London The University of York University of Glasgow Robert Gordon University York St John University Glasgow Caledonian University FOR CARE Roehampton University Glyndwr University Royal Holloway, Goldsmiths, University of London University of London LEAVERS University of Greenwich University of Huddersfeld Royal Veterinary College Hugh Baird College Ruskin College 72 73 Chapter TEN: Appendix THREE

DIX 4 EN P P Further A Education Colleges in Northern Ireland COLLEGES NORTHERN IRELAND (CNI) MEMBERS Chapter TEN: Appendix THREE BELFAST NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL COLLEGE COLLEGE

Titanic e3 Tower Millfeld Whiterock Castlereagh Quarter Springvale Street Strand Road L’Derry Limavady Strabane

Visit our website: www.belfastmet.ac.uk Visit our website: www.nwrc.ac.uk

Derry/Londonderry: 028 7127 6000 For course enquiries: 028 9026 5265 Limavady: 028 7127 8700 Strabane: 028 7138 2317

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

76 77 Chapter TEN: Appendix THREE NORTHERN SOUTHERN REGIONAL REGIONAL COLLEGE COLLEGE

Farm Lodge Trostan Avenue Ballymoney Coleraine Magherafelt Larne Newtownabbey Ballymena Ballymena Banbridge Armagh Newry Greenbank Portadown Kilkeel Lurgan Newry

Visit our website: www.nrc.ac.uk Visit our website: www.src.ac.uk

For all enquiries please contact Newtownabbey Campus on: For course enquiries: 0845 604 0033 028 9085 5066

Email: [email protected]

78 79 Chapter TEN: Appendix THREE

SOUTH WEST SOUTH EASTERN COLLEGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

Downpatrick Lisburn Newtownards Bangor Newcastle Holywood Ballynahinch Cookstown Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh

Visit our website: www.swc.ac.uk Visit our website: www.serc.ac.uk

For course enquiries: 0845 603 1881 For course enquiries: 0845 600 7555

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

80 81 BY D E N G CLAUDBEAN I

S

E DESIGNS D 07745555114

claudbeandesigns

www.claudbean.co.uk