Cross-party inquiry launched into prospects of children in care

A cross-party inquiry examining the prospects for looked-after children has been launched by Labour MP Lisa Nandy and Conservative MP Edward Timpson.

With support from the University and College Union the inquiry will examine how the system can be changed to improve their educational outcomes for looked-after children.

Nandy, MP for Wigan and education select committee member, and Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich and a former family lawyer, are leading the inquiry.

The inquiry has already issued a call for written evidence and the first oral evidence session is set to take place today (2 November).

Nandy said: “Figures released this year show that 28 per cent of 19-year-olds leaving care are not in employment, education or training, while only seven per cent go on to higher education. 

“These figures are simply unacceptable. My hope is that this inquiry will result in a shopping list of reforms that will have a real impact on this vulnerable group of children and young people.”

Timpson added that the inquiry is a way of informing and supporting people who work with children in care with the aim of improving their educational outcomes.

“One of the main reasons I stood for parliament was to raise the plight and prospects of looked-after children,” he added. “Coming from a family that has fostered over 90 children over the past 30 years, I know all too well, through no fault of their own, the impact that their early life experiences have on their future prospects.”

The inquiry will take evidence from a variety of professionals including virtual head teachers, social workers, foster carers as well as children that have come through the care system. 

Findings and recommendations will be published next year.