Education, Employment and Training (EET)

If you're in EET as a looked after child, you'll have a Young People’s Education, Careers and Advice Worker (ECAW) and a personal education plan. These will be regularly reviewed to meet your needs, and your pathway plan will be updated at least every 6 months. As a care leaver you'll have the support of a specialist ECAW up to the age of 25 years. They are based in the Leaving Care Team.

Eligible, relevant or former relevant care leaver

As an eligible, relevant or former relevant care leaver, you may also be able to get financial support from the 16 to 19 bursary which is guaranteed for care leavers aged 16 to 19. Discretionary learner support can support older students.

Bursary for students in vulnerable groups

You may be able to get a bursary if at least one of the following applies:

  • you’re in or you recently left local authority care
  • you get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself
  • you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
  • you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit

The amount you may get depends on the costs you have and what you need for your course. This might include money for books, equipment or travel costs to school or college. With your permission, we'll confirm your care leaver status with your education or training provider. You may wish to talk to your school, college or learning provider to find out more. We'll further support you with essential books or equipment to support you to complete your course.

Financial support

If you're in full time further education, your Social Worker or Personal Adviser will assist you to claim benefits. You'll need to provide confirmation of your attendance from your education provider.

If you're attending university

As a former relevant care leaver, you'll receive 52 weeks support with accommodation costs at affordable rent rate and £2000 higher education bursary upon completion of the course.

As a qualifying care leaver, there may be additional support available please speak with your Personal Advisor.

You can speak your personal adviser if you need help towards the cost of essential books and specialist equipment or materials for your course.

On graduation, you'll receive a graduation gift of £100.

This support is also extended to postgraduate courses.

Additional needs

If you have additional needs and have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), this will continue to be reviewed annually and inform your pathway plan.

If you need a laptop or specific equipment and materials then this should be recorded as a need in your plan. Your Social Worker or Personal Adviser will then be able to request this support for you. Any specific requests will be considered on an individual basis.