Harper Adams University pledges to support care leavers

Posted 7 November 2019

Harper Adams University has pledged to help young people into higher education by joining the Care Leaver Covenant. The University has offered its extensive student support network to help those with experience of the care system, aged 16 to 25, with confidence-building, mental health support and a contextualised offer scheme which reduces entry requirements, recognising that care leavers’ studies might have been disrupted.

Also included in the pledge is a breadth of careers advice and support. As well as this the University is hosting community events and working with the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP) which aims to increase the progression of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to higher education.

“As a university, education is at our core and we want to ensure all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to explore their options,” said Harper Adams Outreach Manager Kim Chadwick, “We need to prepare students for the world of work and understand their needs whilst doing so, particularly for those who are care experienced.”

The aim of the Care Leaver Covenant, which Harper Adams University and a number of other private and public organisations have pledged support, is to provide additional support for those leaving care; making available a different type of support and expertise from that statutorily provided by local authorities. Drawing on the resourcefulness and imagination of their staff and their working environment, organisations have the potential to offer new perspectives and professional expertise. These can offer opportunities and a new way of thinking to aid the care leavers in moving forward successfully to the next phase of their lives.

Care Leaver Covenant Senior Engagement Advisor, Kirsty McQueen said: “We are pleased to recognise Harper Adams as a signatory of the Care Leaver Covenant. The commitment they have made will ensure that the care leaving community are a priority of the whole institution, creating opportunity and support on a number of levels.

“Harper-Adams have been dedicated in compiling an offer which gives a clear priority to the care experienced community and the Care Leaver Covenant is confident that this will only be enhanced and developed as time moves on.”

Read more from Outreach Manager Kimerley Chadwick on the Care Leaver Covenant.