National Care Standards: School Care Accommodation Services

16 Leaving school

Standard 16

You have every opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge you need to live more independently when you leave school. You are helped to develop the employment, study and social skills you need for the next stage of your life.

1 You know that staff are sensitive to any anxieties you may have about leaving school. They spend time listening to your concerns, answering questions and giving you advice if you need it.

2 If you are leaving school to live more independently:

• you can develop self-care skills, including cooking, managing money, managing a home and living with neighbours;
• you are encouraged to develop employment and learning skills;
• you have advice on what to do if you have financial problems;
• you have advice on how to access benefits, housing, health and other services; and
• you are advised about forming and maintaining relationships.

3 If you are a looked after child or young person the school or hostel is aware of the arrangements for your through care provision and makes contact with those who will support you and contributes to your after care plan.

4 You are encouraged to go to further and higher education. You are supported when making choices about what college to go to and what subject to study. Staff are aware of further education or employment opportunities.

5 You know staff will be able to give you information about who to contact when making the move to more independent living, and what sort of help each agency can provide. If necessary, staff work quickly to set up links with outside agencies and services to make the move as smooth as it can be.

6 Staff may go with you to services or help you to make your own arrangements.

7 You can expect the school to welcome you back for visits.