Education

Official statistics show that looked after children do far less well at school and when they leave school than other children from similar backgrounds. We say this is a simply unacceptable situation. Our key goal is to play a big part in narrowing the educational attainment gap for all looked after children.

We believe in building on the rich capacities, skills and aspirations of all looked after children. We work with teachers, carers and other professionals to ensure that every child receives the high quality and well rounded education they deserve. That way, we will close the gap completely.

Improving educational experiences

Contrary to what is sometimes reported, many looked after children do very well at school. However, official statistics show that there is still a stubbornly large gap between the educational outcome indicators of looked after children and all other children.

If you’re a looked after child in Scotland your attendance is likely to be lower than national averages, you’ll leave school sooner than the majority of your peers, with fewer qualifications, and be less likely to get a job or go to go to college or university. Even more alarming is that looked after children are 8 times more likely to be excluded from school.

The main objective of the CELCIS Education Team is to work alongside anyone interested in or involved in education to build an understanding of  looked after children’s needs. We consolidate that understanding by working together to develop day-to-day tools and strategies that will help improve educational experiences and outcomes for those very children.

Always learning

We learn from you and you learn from us, and together we can begin to make improvements at every level of the education system for those who need it most.

We do this by working with a range of partners both local and national, including professionals and students from health, social work, education, and other critical partners delivering services across the children’s sector. These close working relationships allow us to develop specific training, support capacity-building, design and deliver consultancy work programmes to suit each partner’s individual needs and priorities.

Looking for more information?

Get in touch if you'd like to find out more about our work in education.

Find out more about our Education projects here