1.

Challenge your learner assumptions

It is an important first step to understand the diverse lived experience which your current and prospective students possess- including care experience.

2.

Update core planning documents

Consider a broader student population in core planning documents such as pastoral codes of conduct and disability plan.

3.

Collect data

To gauge levels of engagement there could be an optional tickbox in applications where an individual can choose whether or not to identify as care experienced.

4.

Encourage Professional Development

Learning about the impacts that care can have on an individual’s life and learning journey.

5.

Provide dedicated information for care leavers on your website

It is important that a prospective student can see themselves welcomed at a tertiary institution, particularly one focused on postgraduate education. A paragraph that illustrates how the institution acknowledges and welcomes applications from care leavers can go a long way in this. It also helps break down the general stigma in society about care leavers and their role in society (here is an example of what a full webpage could look like).

6.

Sync in Student Support

Identify that care experience as a factor that a student may need additional support on. This unique support could relate to a full range of both procedural and substantive matters. For example, it could be as simple as not having access to requisite documents, such as birth certificates or school records. It may also be that aspects of course content could be triggering or challenging due to lived experience.

7.

Scholarships

Consider adding care experience, alongside other categories, as an aspect that may help qualify a prospective student for a scholarship. This directly illustrates that care leavers are welcomed and supported by the Institution without the need to create additional and targeted scholarships (although this would long term this would be a game changer).

8.

Profile Care-Experienced Alumni

Ensuring diverse lived experience- including care experience- are reflected in alumni profiles on the Institution’s website and other promotional materials and outreach.