Reading recognised for supporting students from care backgrounds
Tuesday, 09 September 2014
The University has received a prestigious national award for its commitment to helping young people in and leaving care make a successful transition into Higher Education and beyond.
To receive its Buttle UK Quality Mark, Reading demonstrated that it has a robust strategy in place to ensure that students from a care background can access a package of support - financial, pastoral and educational.
Reading initiatives include a special bursary scheme meaning students meeting the criteria can receive grants worth up to £2500. The University also supports costs associated with student and carer travel to Open Days and covers all costs of participation in pre-entry outreach schemes.
One of the most under-represented groups in UK Higher Education, the challenges facing young people leaving care are enormous. Often lacking family support, suffering financial disadvantage and struggling to find somewhere to live, applying for and being accepted for further and higher education is a real achievement.
At Reading care leavers have a designated member of staff to turn to for help and advice, and furthermore the University offers accommodation for care leavers 365 days of the year if needed.
Created by Buttle UK - the largest grant-giving organisation in the country directly supporting children and families living in poverty - the charity awards the Quality Mark to colleges and universities which commit to supporting a young person who has been in care, to access further and higher education and successfully complete their studies and achieve their ambitions.
Dr Paddy Woodman, Director of Student Development and Access, said: "We are delighted to receive the Buttle UK Quality Mark. Young people from any background should have the opportunity of a high-quality University education. Through targeted outreach, information and guidance, financial support and welfare measures, we are committed to offering care leavers the very best education and support.
"The award reflects an institution-wide commitment to further developing this provision. This year we have forged new links with Reading and Wokingham local authority children's service teams. We will also be piloting an e-mentoring scheme, matching young people in care with University undergraduates. A new website will enable care leavers to see the support we provide and hopefully increase the number of care leavers studying and succeeding at the University of Reading."
Susan Mueller, Buttle UK Quality Mark Manager, added: "We are very pleased with the success of this award and are delighted to extend it to the University of Reading. The University has amply displayed its dedication and initiative to helping young people leaving care to receive an education and have the opportunity to succeed and move on to the next stage of their lives.
"Our Quality Mark is also a clear way for the University of Reading to demonstrate its credentials to partners, funders, inspectorates and the wider community - and importantly to the young people from care themselves."