Eight out of ten young people who have been in care in Salford go on to get jobs, training or further education.
And that impressive statistic has won Salford City Council praise from Ofsted in its annual report.
Every year, the agency, which inspects children’s services in local authorities as well as schools, highlights examples of good practice and this year said: “Salford is a great example, with nearly eight in 10 of its care leavers going into employment, training or education. This shows that these young care leavers, with the right support, don’t need to be held back by their previous experiences.”
Care leaver Josie Fletcher, 21, who is now on track for a career in accountancy and finance, agrees.
She was just five when she had to go live with her grandfather because of family difficulties and nine when she went into long-term foster care.
“I came back from swimming and my social worker told me I was going into respite care. I used to go for occasional weekends but this time I ended up staying till I was 18,” said Josie who has just finished her third year of a four year degree at Salford University.
“My foster carers were there for me all the way through and I had a really positive experience of care. When I was 16 and leaving school I got loads of careers advice and decided to study accountancy and then go on to a four year degree. I couldn’t have done it without Salford City Council.”
As well as advice and support, Salford City Council also provided Josie with a bursary for her degree, as well as the weekly allowance for her accommodation. The Next Step team also helped arrange work placements at Salford City Council and the university, to help boost Josie’s experience and CV.
Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, said the support provided was tailored to each young person in care.
“This shows why we need foster carers who can provide stability, support and love and work with our staff as a real team,” she said.
“It shows that, although young people in care may have had some difficult experiences, with the right support they can build a bright future for themselves just as Josie has done. I’m delighted Ofsted has recognised how valuable and successful this work is.”
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more at www.salford.gov.uk/fostering
