Education for Social Inclusion: Can We Change the Future for Children in Care?

by Sonia Jackson

Longitudinal research has shown that well-being in almost every aspect of adult life is closely related to the educational level achieved, but until recently the vast majority of children in care were denied the chance to obtain any qualifications at all―"Nobody ever told us school matters." For almost half a century their education and school experience was marginalized or ignored by researchers, social workers and the care system. Although the present British government has made strenuous efforts to improve educational outcomes for looked-after children, the gap in attainment compared with children living in their own homes remains obstinately large. This lecture suggests that we need to understand the deep historical roots of this neglect, which find echoes in many other European countries, if we really want them to have a better chance in life.

30 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010