National Network for the Education of Care Leavers
CPD Standards Office Provider Number: 41270
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Category: Charity & Voluntary Work, Diversity & Inclusion, Education & Training Centres, Human & Soft Skills
Description:
Our CPD-accredited workshops and events help college, university and leaving care teams understand and overcome the barriers care experienced young people face in achieving their full educational potential.
Why is understanding the impact of care experience on education important?
Care experienced young people often face additional challenges when moving into post-16 education, a transition that already demands greater independence, self-direction, and stability. Their experiences before and during care can shape both educational outcomes and engagement in profound ways.
Educational disruption and attainment gaps
Many care experienced learners have experienced placement moves, school changes, or gaps in attendance. These disruptions can lead to missed learning, lower qualifications, or reduced confidence in academic ability — affecting access to further or higher education.
Reduced social and emotional support
Unlike peers who might rely on family for encouragement, advocacy, and guidance, care experienced students may lack consistent adult support. This can affect motivation, decision-making, and persistence in education.
Financial and housing insecurity
Post-16 learners from care backgrounds are more likely to face financial instability or struggle with housing, especially during holidays or transition periods. These pressures can distract from study and impact wellbeing.
Lower expectations and systemic bias
Sometimes, care experienced young people encounter lower expectations from professionals or institutions - subtle but powerful barriers that can limit aspiration and opportunity.
Resilience, independence, and strength
Despite these challenges, care experienced learners often show remarkable resilience and determination. With the right support — stable relationships, inclusive practice, and tailored financial help - they can and do thrive.
When it comes to supporting care experienced and estranged learners, there’s no single solution, it takes connection, consistency, and commitment, underpinned by ongoing professional learning. That’s where NNECL (the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers) comes in.
Through our CPD opportunities, NNECL helps practitioners deepen their understanding of care experience, explore evidence-aware approaches, and build the confidence to create inclusive environments where these learners can truly thrive.
NNECL helps the sector move from knowing what works to doing what works - building environments where care experienced learners can thrive, not just in education but well into their futures.
Accredited Activities:
This provider is currently undergoing accreditation.
Who Should Attend:
NNECL CPD events are designed for anyone working to improve outcomes for care experienced and estranged learners, across further education, higher education, leaving care teams, policy makers and beyond.