SPRU research team

• Jo Dixon
  
• Jade Ward
  
• Mike Stein (Consultant) 
  

External collaborators

• Dr Eran Melkman, Department of Education, Rees Centre for Research in Fostering and Education, University of Oxford (Principal Investigator)
• Dr Neil Harrison, Department of Education, Rees Centre for Research in Fostering and Education, University of Oxford 

Project summary

Government statistics show that carer leavers are three times more likely not to be in education, employment or training (NEET) than any other young people. In 2017, 40% of care leavers aged 19-21 were NEET, compared to 13% of the general population. This has been associated with poor outcomes after care, including higher rates of homelessness, mental health problems and custody. Recent developments in national data collection enable examination of the factors that contribute to employability of care leavers, including earlier education and training. However, to date, no national statistical research has been undertaken in England on the employability of care leavers. 

This mixed methods research will analyse four national datasets, previously unexplored in this context, to identify care and educational factors and trajectories that contribute to employability of care leavers. Access to a fifth experimental dataset, the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset is being discussed with the Department for Education (DfE) to extend analyses and increase the robustness of the study. The analysis of datasets will be complemented by interviews with a range of stakeholders, including 36 care leavers in and out of employment, in order to shed light on the statistical associations identified. Findings will assist policy-makers and service providers in adopting strategies to support care-experienced young people into employment. 

Additional information