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Compiled by WMCLN regional supportWest Midlands Care Leavers Network
If you would like to get in touch with WMCLN please email Baljit Gill, [email protected]
West Midlands Directory Higher Education for Looked After /Care Experienced Young People
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Quick View Guide of University Services for Looked After Children and Care Leavers
HE Institution
Buttle UK QM x x x x x x
Events specifically targeting LAC/Care Leavers x x x x x x x
Priority for Outreach activities x x x x x x x x
Links with local authorities x x x x
Information on sessions for foster carers x x
Pre-entry correspondence x x x x x x x
Pre-entry funding advice x x x x
Personalised signposting to student support x x x x x x x
52 week accommodation x x x x x x x x x
Prioritised application to Access to Learning Fund x x x x x
Ongoing point of contact throughout time at University x x x x x x x
Mentoring Scheme x x x x x x
Liaise with applicants Local Authority (with permission) to aid transition
x x x
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Welcome
Choosing to study at university is a big decision and choosing where to study can be an even bigger one. With so many different learning environments, courses and places to study this can become an overwhelming and confusing time for any student. However, there is support available. The West Midlands Care Leavers Network consists of representatives from universities in the West Midlands that are committed to supporting young people in care and Care Leavers.
Every member of the network has a range of support on offer and this booklet brings all that information into one place. It gives you guidance on the support available to Care Leavers looking to apply for a place at university, the activities on offer to young people in care and provides you with the invaluable contact details of higher education institutions in the West Midlands.
Whether you are a Care Leaver applying to or considering applying to university, or a professional working with either of these groups, this booklet will ensure that you have all the information necessary to make the most out of the support and opportunities that are available to care experienced young adults making the decision to go on to higher education.
If you are looking for information about a university that is not included in this booklet then you may find it useful to have a look on the Buttle UK website (www.buttletrust.org) or you could contact EMCLASS (East Midlands Care Leavers Activities and Student Support) by emailing [email protected] or NORTHCLASS (Northern region Care Leavers Activities and Student Support) by emailing Arron Pile at [email protected] Both of these groups have created booklets similar to this one and would be more than happy to provide you with further information on the universities in their regions.
Most importantly if you are a Care Leaver applying to study at any of the institutions mentioned in this booklet then please make sure you tell us! It will help you access the support and funding that is available to you. Just contact the named person for the institution you are interested in attending or tick ‘yes’ to the question on your UCAS form that asks if you’ve spent any time in care.
Contents
Quick ViewGuide
Welcome
Welcome 3 Jargon Buster 4Student Finance 5Higher Education Providers 6Aston University 6University of Birmingham 7Birmingham City University 8Coventry University 9Keele University 10Newman University College 11Staffordshire University 12University of Warwick 13University of Wolverhampton 14University of Worcester 15Aimhigher 16Location of Universities in the West Midlands 17Care Leavers Bursary / Higher Education Bursary 18/19
Contents
Student Finance
Going to university is a life-changing experience that will increase your job prospects and benefit you far into the future - don’t let money worries put you off!
The student finance system is managed by Student Finance England (SFE), and is designed to enable you to study in higher education without needing to find any money up front. At first, the sums involved might seem intimidating but don’t let it discourage you - there is plenty of information available to help you and most universities will have a dedicated team to assist you in applying for student funding.
For more information about student finance visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance or have a look at the finance section of the website for the university you are interested in attending.
Buttle UK
The Buttle UK Quality Mark is awarded to further and higher education providers who demonstrate their commitment to young people in and leaving care.
You will see this quality mark beside the information for some of the institutions in this booklet. This quality mark provides these universities with a framework for validating the quality of support offered to young people in care and Care Leavers.
Not all universities in this booklet hold the quality mark but those that do not still show a commitment to providing support to Care Leavers and offer a range of outreach activities for young people in care.
An access agreement sets out a university or college’s fee limits and the access measures it intends to put in place e.g. outreach work and financial support
A university fund which can provide extra help if you’re in hardship and need extra financial support
A sum of money you don’t need to pay back
Having spent any time in care
Higher Education (Usually referring to university)
Higher Education Institution
Local Authority
Looked After Children
NSP awards are in addition to any other loans or grants you may apply for. All universities are taking part in the NSP. Each university has its own criteria on who qualifies and the types of awards available
Activities and support which universities offer to young people to raise aspirations and give them a taste of university life
This term may be used when a student has accepted an offer to attend a university but before they arrive at that university
Student Finance England
Summer-time activities which give a taste of university life
Extra support for people to help them prepare for coming to university and help them to settle in once they arrive
The organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. Applications are made online at www.ucas.com
UG is shorthand for undergraduate. An undergraduate student is a person who is studying for a first degree
West Midlands Care Leavers Network
Access to Learning Fund (ALF)
Bursary/Grant
National Scholarship Programme (NSP)
HE
HEI
LAC
LA
Outreach
SFE
Summer School
Transitional support
UCAS
UG/Undergraduate
Access agreement
Pre-entry
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Jargon Buster
Student Finance
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Care experienced
Jargon Buster
In this booklet there are a few abbreviations and phrases which you might not be familiar with. If there is anything else that you would like us to explain in more detail then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Contact:
Baljit GillHead of Learner
Enhancement T: 0121 204 4778
OR Contact:
Patrick Coughlan Student Funds Administrator
T: 0121 204 4740E: [email protected]
Contact:
Catherine McNicholl T: 0121 414 5873E: c.h.mcnicholl@ bham.ac.uk
Aston University
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•CareLeaversareprioritisedintheallocationofplacesonall outreach activities including master classes, conferences Challenge Days and summer school
•StronglinkswithLocalAuthoritiesintheWestMidlands
•Oncampuseventsaimedspecificallyforlookedafter children and care leavers providing information on Higher Education pathways and support available
•OncampuseventsforLACteachersandcarers
•BespokeUniversityVisitsandservicesforlookedafter children and care leavers can be catered for on request
For information about our Outreach provision for looked after children please visit our webpage at www.aston.ac.uk/schliaison or alternatively contact [email protected]
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•ApriorityawardfromtheNationalScholarshipProgramme
•Pre-entrycorrespondencewithUGapplicantswhohave identified themselves as having spent time in care on their UCAS form
•Apre-entryappointmentwiththeStudentFunds Administrator to discuss support needs
•StudentFundsAdministratorcanliaisewiththeapplicant’s Local Authority (with their permission) to aid with the transition to University
•SharedinformationwithFoyeronceuniversityplaceis confirmed
•‘WelcometoAstonUniversity’leafletforCareLeavers
•PrioritisationofexpenditureneedsfromtheAccessto Learning Fund
•AccesstoLearningFundsummervacationneedsalso prioritised
•52weekaccommodationfordurationofdegree,ifrequired
•Personalisedsignpostingtothecomprehensiverangeof student support available, e.g. Pre-entry e-mentoring, Transition Mentoring, Study Skills development, etc
•OngoingpointofcontactthroughouttimeatUniversity
University of Birmingham
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•Priorityallocationofplacesonallourschoolandcollege outreach events, including subject enrichment classes, individually organised visits on request and residential summer schools provided free of charge
•Informationsessionsheldspecificallyforfostercarers
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•Apriorityawardof£4,750tofundaccommodationifthe student chooses to live in university owned halls or, if they choosetoliveelsewhere,a£3,000cashbursaryortuition fee waiver
•Singlepointofcontactforpre-entrysupportandongoing point of contact throughout time at University
•PriorityinchoiceofUniversityaccommodationandhelp with accessing 52 week accommodation throughout the duration of the course
•Pre-entrycorrespondencewithundergraduateapplicants who have identified themselves as having spent time in care on their UCAS form
•PrioritisedapplicationstotheAccesstoLearningFund
•Offerofaninitialguidancesessionwithadesignated counsellor
•InvitationtojoinourAccesstoBirminghaminductionday before the start of the main University Welcome Week
www1.aston.ac.uk/current-students/hub/money/care-leavers www.birmingham.ac.uk/careleavers
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Contact:
Rebecca PickeringStudent Wellbeing
Advisor T: 0121 331 7741
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Birmingham City University
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•TheOutreachteamishappytoengagewithLookedAfter Children within their remit of raising aspirations and promotingtheUniversitytoyeargroups9-13through their work with regional schools and colleges. This work includes campus visits, subject masterclasses, workshops on coming to university and one-to-one surgeries and personal statement workshops
•Schoolsandcollegesaremorethanwelcometoensure that Looked After Children are prioritised when selecting young people to attend activities. Birmingham City University is also part of the Aimhigher mentoring project whereby they provide undergraduate student mentors to work closely with young people in schools. Again, schools may wish to select a young person in this position to receive one-to-one mentoring
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•AStudentWellbeingAdvisorcanliaisewiththeapplicant’s Local Authority (with their permission) to aid with the transition to University
•CareLeaversaresignpostedtotheHelpzoneandFinance Advisers for financial assistance if required
•Supportwitharranging365dayaccommodationinstudent Halls of Residence is offered if required
•Personalisedsignpostingtothecomprehensiverangeof student support available
•Anongoingpointofcontactisavailablethroughoutyour time at university, and can offer confidential, one-to-one advice and support with any difficulties you may be experiencing at university
Coventry University
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•StronglinkswithLocalAuthoritiesinCoventryand Warwickshire
•ExcellentlinkswiththeAfterCareProjectTeaminCoventry
•TrainedProgressionAmbassadorstosupportCareLeavers in schools, colleges and at the After Care Project Centre to help them access Higher Education
•Universityvisitstolocalschoolsandcolleges
•EasyaccesstoOpenDays,summerschoolsandtaster sessions for Care Leavers
•CollaborativepartnershipwithWarwickUniversityproviding information sessions specifically for Care Leavers
•UniversityCareersAdviserssupportlocalschoolsandcolleges with information on how to access Higher Education
•FlexibleadmissionprocessinlinewithourAccessAgreement
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•Pre-entrysupportforCareLeaverswhomakethemselves known through the UCAS system
•InvitationtopersonalisedOpenDaytailoredtotheCare Leaver’s needs
•Specificpre-inductionsummerschoolforCareLeavers to make them aware of the personal and financial support available to them and how to access it
•£500incashperyearplus£500purchasingcreditsper year for Care Leavers who meet the criteria
•52weekguaranteedaccommodationforthedurationof the course in University halls of residence with access to pastoral care from Student Wardens and Halls Officers
•DesignatedWelfareOfficertoactaskeycontactforthe duration of the course
•Signpostingtothecomprehensiverangeofstudentsupport available
•Individualpeermentorsupportavailablethroughthetransition period and throughout the first year of their course
•EasyaccesstoanexperiencedStudentFundingOfficerto advise on funding available, assistance with funding applications and support throughout the course
www.bcu.ac.uk www.coventry.ac.uk/healthandwellbeing/careleavers nineeight
Contact:
Sally CaineWelfare OfficerT: 024 7765 8029E: [email protected]
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Keele University
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•PrioritisedplacesonSummerSchools,residentialvisits and other events such as subject taster days, master classes and university experience days
•WeofferworkshopsandseminarsforfostercarersandIAG advisors to raise awareness of HE: the benefits to young people, HE & Finance, and information about the support available in HE
•CareLeaversareincludedasatargetgroupintheAccess to Keele (AK2) Scheme. This supports the development of the skills required for success at university and also helps participants have realistic expectations of what HE can offer them. It includes e-mentoring, university visits, study skills workshops and academic taster sessions. For further information please go to www.keele.ac.uk/a2k
For further information on the range of outreach activities available for care leavers please visit www.keele.ac.uk/outreach
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•TheKeelee-mentoringschemeforpre-arrivalstudents
•Prearrivalvisittothecampustoseeaccommodationand teaching departments by arrangement with the Care Leaver contact
•AguaranteedplaceinUniversityHallsofResidencefor52 weeks a year
•AutomaticeligibilityforNationalScholarshipAward.The firstyearawardcomprisesa£2,000tuitionfeereduction anda£1,000cashbursaryand,insubsequentyears, automatic eligibility for the Keele University Bursary comprisingof£1,000ayearcash
•Peermentoringsupportpre-arrivalandthroughthecourse
•NamedcontactintheStudentSupportandExperience Team available to offer personalised advice and signposting to the range of support available at Keele University
Newman University College
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•Opendays-achancetocomeandhaveachataboutthe opportunities available to you
•ApplicantVisitDays-achanceforapplicantstomeet teaching staff, fellow students and get familiar with the campus
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•PriorityacceptanceontheNationalScholarship Programme
•Confidentialpre-entryadviceandongoingsupportfrom a designated member of staff
•365daysaccommodation
•PriorityacceptanceonHEADstart,Newman’spre-entry course for combined, joint and single honours undergraduates
•Advocacyservice
•Linkingstudentsupwithtransitionmentors
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Contact:
Kate MayerT: 01782 733912
E: Support.experience @keele.ac.uk
Contact:
Tammy OyekanmiStudent Welfare AdvisorT: 0121 476 1181 ext. 2620E: t.oyekanmi@ newman.ac.uk
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Staffordshire University
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•ContactmadebyUniversitypriortocoursestartdatetoall applicants who declare Care Leavers status on UCAS form •TargetedinformationguideforCareLeavers,distributedto Local Authorities, schools and colleges •InvitationtoattendOpenDays •StronglinkswithStaffordshireVirtualSchools •Eventsspecificallytargetedatyoungpeoplefromcareinlocal schools and colleges, including presentations, workshops and campus visits •InformationguidestargetedspecificallyatLocalAuthorities, Foster Parents and Care services, identifying accommodation arrangements, financial and practical support available for Care Leavers
Transitional support for Care Leavers •Pre-entrycontactfromtheUniversity’sNamedContactfor Care Leavers •OpportunitytoarrangetomeetwiththeNamedContact following application by individual arrangement, including a visit to the campus and support services •AdedicatedTransitionOfficerisavailabletoprovideadvice about support to help you get settled into University •SupportedaccesstotheUniversity’sStudentAdvice Centre for financial advice •Supportwitharranging365dayaccommodationforthe duration of the course of study •ReducedaccommodationdepositavailableforCareLeavers •Beddingpackprovidedinhallsofresidenceatrequest •SupportedaccesstomeetwithaStudentAmbassador during Welcome Week for campus orientation •OpportunitytobecomeinvolvedintheUniversity’sCare Leaver support team as an ambassador, to develop additional support and facilities for Care Leaver students •PrioritisedaccesstotheAccesstoLearningFund •TheNamedContactforCareLeaversactsasapointofcontact for Care Leavers, Local Authorities and other Aftercare services from the point of application, to the completion of your studies, and is available to answer any questions that you or your team might have about studying at Staffordshire University
University of Warwick
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•OncampusTasterDaysforyears5&6youngpeoplefrom Coventry and Warwickshire •PlacesavailableforLACfromCoventryandWarwickshire atouryear10andyear12SummerSchools •WorkingwithLACESCoventrytoprovideprogrammes targeted at STEM subjects •TargetedworkwithCoventryAftercareProjectin partnership with Coventry University, including mentoring and on campus events
Transitional support for Care Leavers •Studentswhoseincomeislessthan£25,000peryearwill receive a Warwick National Scholarship in the form of a University accommodation discount or tuition fee waiver of upto£2,000andaWarwickBursaryof£1,000tohelpwith study related costs. Full details of Warwick’s Undergraduate NationalScholarshipandBursaryprogrammefor2014/15 entry can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/warwickusb •CareLeaversorresidentsinaFoyerorstudentsinreceipt of Housing Benefit and/or Income Support under the age of 19 whilst in continuous full-time education will receive a£1,000Bursaryforeachyearoftheirstudy,including Postgraduate study. Students are also offered a one to one appointment with a Student Funding Adviser to ensure they are receiving their full funding entitlement and have the opportunity to continue with this support throughout their University career •TheAccesstoLearningFundprovidesadditionalfinancial assistance for students experiencing financial difficulties. Students eligible for the Warwick Foyer Bursary who need further financial support will be considered a priority for funding from the Access to Learning Fund •Applicantscontactedatpointofapplicationandtoldof services and support that are available to them •Asinglenamedcontactfromapplicationthroughtograduation
•Supportbookletsignpostingallstudentsupportservices •AccesstostudentsupportservicesincludingPersonal Tutors, University Senior Tutors, Residential Life Team, and a Counselling Service
www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/disabled_students/mental_wellbeing www.go.warwick.ac.uk/outreach thirteentwelve
Contact:
Elsa HeffernanSpecialist Student
AdvisorT: 01782 294517
E: e.c.heffernan@ staffs.ac.uk
Contact:
Claire EddenT: 024 7652 3648F: 024 7652 4649 E: c.l.g.edden@ warwick.ac.uk
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University of Wolverhampton
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•Asrequested,specialistworkshopsandotherevents
•Priorityforintensiveoutreachactivitieslikesummer schools or mentoring programmes
•LinkswithLocalAuthoritiesinBlackCountry,Dudley, Telford and Wolverhampton
•Residentialstopromoteindependentlivingandwhatit’s like to live at university
•UniversityvisitsforLACorcare-leaverstoraiseaspirations and show that university is an option for their future
•EventsforFosterCarerstoenhancetheirknowledgeabout university so they are able to discuss it as an option with the LAC in their care
•AstepupmoduleisavailableforLACandcare-leaversso they are able to see what university is like before they apply, to show that it is accessible for them
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•Pre-entrycorrespondencewithUGapplicantswhohave identified themselves as having spent time in care on their UCAS form
•Pre-entryadviceregardingfundingincluding:supportwith completing applications for funding; liaison with applicant’s local authority (if requested and with applicant’s permission)
•Anon-repayablebursaryofupto£500eachyear(£750in final year)
•Personalisedsignpostingtothecomprehensiverangeof student support available
•52weekaccommodationforourstudents
•MentoringSchemeandaccesstoonlinementoringsupport
University of Worcester
Outreach for Care Leavers and Looked After Children
•Bespokeeventsincludingtasterdays,carereventsand activities
•Outreachwithyoungpeopleincareandleavingthecare system with specialist organisations including: financial advice sessions, subject specific master classes and motivational activities
•Mentoringandcoaching,includingcurrentstudentswho have experience of care
•ImpartialPre-entryinformationadviceandguidance
•PriorityforaccesstothewholerangeofDiscover Worcester events, summer schools and specialist programmes
Transitional support for Care Leavers
•£3,000feewaiverforallstudentsinreceiptoffullstate support
•Supportwithaccessing52weekuniversityaccommodation where required
•Trainedsupportcontacttoassistwithsignpostingto university support services
•Peermentorsupport,earnasyoulearnschemewith significant opportunities for students to undertake paid work on university programmes and activities, assisted support with accessing vacation work
www.wlv.ac.uk/care www.worc.ac.uk/studentservices
Contact:
Kirsty JonesHead of The Gateway
T: 01902 321 834E: [email protected]
OR Contact:
Lydia Dams Student Recruitment
Officer T: 01902 32 2007E: Lydia.dams@
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Aimhigher
Aimhigher is an exciting initiative involving four of the West Midland’s leading higher education institutions:
•AstonUniversity
•BirminghamCityUniversity
•UniversityCollegeBirmingham
•TheUniversityofBirmingham
Aimhigher gives young people from less advantaged backgrounds a chance to become motivated and confident about their learning and career progression, explore the world of higher education and what it might mean for them and make informed decisions. Schools, colleges and Local Authorities contribute funding to support our work, and Looked After Children and Care Leavers are an important group for us.
Outreach
Weofferarangeofactivitiesfor14to19LookedAfterChildrenand Care Leavers, including:
•Undergraduatementoring,includingface-to-faceindividual and group work, and e-mentoring using the BrightLinks system
•Arangeofresidentialandnon-residentialUniFestsummer schools, including pre-event parent / carer events across all four Aimhigher universities
•HealthcareCareersActivitiesandWorkExperience Placements
•Universityvisitsandmasterclasses
•Highereducationadviceworkshops
•Bespokeactivitiesandevents
www.aimhigherwm.ac.uk sixteen
Contact:
Mike Thompson Aimhigher
Coordination TeamT: 0121 415 8176
E: m.a.thompson@ bham.ac.uk
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Location of universities in the West Midlands
1 Aston University2 University of Birmingham3 Birmingham City University4 Coventry University5 Keele University6 Newman University College7 Staffordshire University8 University of Warwick9 University of Wolverhampton10 University of Worcester
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Care Leavers Bursary / Higher Education Bursary
If you decide to start a full time degree at university you may be entitled to applyforaone-off£2,000CareLeaversBursaryfromyourLocalAuthority. This bursary can be accessed via your social worker.
Some Local Authorities pay a lump sum, some split the payment and some cover your rent payments. If you are from the West Midlands area the contact details for the Local Authorities are below.
Care LeaversBursary /
Higher Education
Bursary
More information on this bursary can either be accessed through using the contact details on the page for the university you are attending/applying to or by speaking with your social worker.
Birmingham16+CareleaversServiceEve Brook House15 Acorn Grove, LadywoodBirmingham B1 2PLTel:01214641229Email: [email protected]
CoventryCoventry Aftercare ProjectThe Rocklands Centre138FoleshillRoadCoventry CV14JJTel:02476257733
Dudley The16Plus(lookedafter&aftercare)TeamDudley Council Plus259 Castle StreetDudley, West MidlandsDY1 1LQTel:03005552345
Sandwell Leaving Care ServiceSandwell Council HouseFreeth StreetPOBox2374OldburyB693DETel:08453510131
Solihull Education and Children Services16+TeamJensen House, Bosworth CentreAuckland DriveSmith’sWoodB360DDTel:01217884200
Walsall Looked After Children Service / Transition and Leaving Care8thFloorTownend HouseTownend SquareWalsallWS1 1NSTel:01922650555
WolverhamptonLooked After Children’s ServiceBeldray BuildingMount PleasantBilstonWolverhampton,WV147PRTel:01902553001
Contact:
Baljit GillHead of Learner Enhancement T: 0121 204 4778E: [email protected]
West Midlands’ Directory
Higher Education for Looked After/Care
Experienced Young People
All information in this document is correct at the time of going to print. For the most up to date information please visit university websites.
