National Network for the Education of Care Leavers

We are excited to invite insightful and engaging contributions to present in workshops at the NNECL Annual Conference on Monday, 10 November 2025. This is an opportunity to discuss key and emerging themes impacting student success in higher and further education for learners from care backgrounds and those who are estranged. We are keen to include the following: 1. Amplifying student voice 2. Role models and peer mentoring 3. Supporting estranged students 4. Trauma-informed approaches 5. Collaborating with local authorities  By submitting your paper and sharing your research and insights at our conference, you will be adding your voice to the movement dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of learners from care and estranged backgrounds. You will have the opportunity to connect with a broad audience of students, educators, and social care professionals all passionate about creating lasting and systemic change for young people with lived experience across a range of care backgrounds. The NNECL Annual Conference will take place on Monday, 10 November at the London Canal Museum, 12/13 New Wharf Road, London, N1 9RT. Workshops will last approximately 45 minutes. Email submissions to: info@nnecl.org Submission deadline: 5.00 pm, 28 April 2025  For any enquiries, please get in touch with us at info@nnecl.org We look forward to your contributions!

Do you have a recommendation of a great venue to hold a focus group with teenagers 👀 We're looking for venue ideas for a couple of focus groups we’re holding in late April and May. ✅ Fit up to 20 people ✅ Can have pizza delivered 🍕 ✅ Available on a Saturday afternoon 📍 We need to host these focus groups in the London Borough of Southwark, somewhere with good transport links is essential. Please share your recommendations in the comments or email us at info@nnecl.org Thanks so much in advance 🙏

Our assessors were delighted to re-award Oxford Brookes University the NNECL Quality Mark. 🎉 👏 The university has continued to build inclusive spaces for care leavers and young people who are estranged, the team have ensured that even after their studies are complete, these young people have access to networks that will support them as they begin their careers. NNECL members deeply understand the barriers young people with care backgrounds face in accessing and progressing through higher education. At the current rate of progress, it will take 107 years to reach educational parity. The good news is that NNECL members offer our learners the additional mental health support, financial bursaries, year-round accommodation, opportunities to build social capital and the cheerleading they need to graduate well and move into careers that will sustain them for life.

“NNECL is confident that any student entering Edge Hill University will be well looked after and supported” 🙌🏻 We’re delighted to have been re-awarded the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers Quality Mark for our support into and through university for care experienced and estranged students. https://lnkd.in/e3jWiMZb Go team! Anna, Claire, Steph, Charlotte, Emma, Kordel and many more wonderful colleagues.

Care experienced graduates face distinct challenges in securing and progressing in graduate employment without the social capital of a traditional family networks. Join us on Tuesday 18 March 2025 for our next webinar; How does a background of care affect transitions into graduate employment? In this webinar Dr Zoe Baker will share insights from the Care Experienced Graduates Project, exploring barriers, employer perceptions, and research-backed recommendations for change. Ideal for Personal Adviser's, Career Advisors, Graduate Recruitment teams, those supporting learners from care, estranged and sanctuary seeking backgrounds with their education journey, and HR professionals building inclusive workspaces. This webinar will also be helpful for those developing their work in Section 6 of the NNECL Quality Mark. Free for members, £25 for non-members. Delivered via Microsoft Teams, with a recording available for members. Find out more and register here: https://lnkd.in/eHt5Px8t Book now to be part of the conversation.

Care Day is a powerful reminder that care and compassion can transform lives. Every act of support, big or small, helps build a more inclusive and understanding world. At National Network for the Education of Care Leavers, we’re working with universities, colleges and care leaving teams to create inclusive environments where learner with care backgrounds thrive. Through the NNECL Quality Mark, institutions are strengthening their support, improving policies, and amplifying student voices.   Tag a student, educator, or institution that should know about this! To learn more, check out our detailed evaluation report: https://lnkd.in/eTbafszs #CareDay2025 #NNECL #CareExperienced #CareLeavers