Summit Learning Trust is proud to be a signatory of the Care Leavers Covenant – joining a wide array of public and private organisations that have pledged to support young people leaving care, and to help them lead positive, independent lives.
Under the covenant, 16 to 25 year old care leavers will be offered additional career support and mentorship, including work experience at the trust’s three secondary schools, five primary schools and sixth form college. They will be able to access taster opportunities in a range of teaching, support and office roles, and offered advice on the types of qualifications needed to succeed in particular careers.
The covenant cements Summit’s ongoing commitment to children and young people in care, which already includes a comprehensive package of support to help this group of learners to manage their unique challenges and achieve their potential. Support includes access to a free breakfast, uniform and learning resources, as well as a warm and supervised place to study; funding to experience trips and enrichment opportunities; and excellent careers guidance.
Vince Green, CEO, Summit Learning Trust, said: “Children and young people living in, or on the edge of, care experience significant challenges and Summit Learning Trust is committed to doing everything possible to remove the barriers they face and to ensure they are not held back in life by their circumstances. This includes supporting them onto rewarding careers when they leave care, and giving them a positive stepping stone towards building happy, fulfilling and independent lives. As a trust, we employ almost 1000 people in teaching and education support roles, as well as finance, HR, estates, catering and many more – stimulating careers that we can help open to care leavers. We are proud and humbled to sign the covenant and do what we can.