All the statistics show that children in care trail behind other pupils in academic and other qualifications for the world of work. Some, but by no means all, thrive in boarding schools, which are to be found in the state as well as in the independent sector.
Many local authorities are in the habit of ruling out the boarding school option without considering whether particular children would benefit from it. Alistair Lexden has long supported those in the government and charitable organisations who are working to change this state of affairs.
He returned to the subject during exchanges about children in care with mental health problems at oral question time in the Lords on 18 December.
He said: “Should we not welcome the determined efforts being made by charities and other bodies to secure more places for looked-after children suited to a state or independent boarding school, where good, externally inspected care is available for pupils with mental health problems?”
Lord Agnew, the Education Minister in the Lords, replied: “I very much agree with the noble Lord. At the moment we [in the Education Department] have the Boarding School Partnerships, an initiative which works with a number of local authorities and boarding schools to increase the number of referrals for children who might be defined as on the edge of care. My own home county, Norfolk, is one of the largest users of this scheme…If, as I hope, this shows very strong improvements in these children’s lives, we will be showcasing it to other local authorities to encourage more of them to do it.”