Children in Care (CiC) or Care Leaver’s

Who is a Child in Care?

You’re considered a Child in Care (also known as a Child Looked After) if you’ve been provided with accommodation by a local authority for more than 24 hours. This can happen for different reasons, and support is available to help you thrive at college.

You stop being “looked after” when you return home, are adopted, or turn 18. Even after you turn 18, your local authority may continue to support you up until the age of 25 — this is when you’re known as a Care Leaver or Care Experienced.

What Does “Care Experienced” Mean?

If you’ve ever lived:

• With foster carers,
• In a residential home,
• With family or friends under a legal order (like a Special Guardianship Order),
• Or with relatives or friends without formal support from the local authority,

then you may be Care Experienced, and that means support is available for you too.

How We Support You at College

Starting college is an exciting step — and we’re here for you every step of the way.

Each of our campuses has a Designated Teacher (DT) specially trained to support Children in Care and Care Leavers. You can speak to them before you start college, and they’ll be there throughout your time with us.

They’ll work with:

• Your carers,
• The virtual school,
• Social workers,
• Your tutors and college staff,

to make sure you have everything you need to succeed.

Support You Can Access:

• Financial Support – help with costs like books, equipment, or meals.
• Transport Support – help getting to and from college.
• Wellbeing Support – someone to talk to if you’re struggling or just need a check-in.
• Additional Learning Support – including help in class or with assignments.
• Counselling Services – confidential support when you need it.
• Advocacy – someone who will speak up for you and support you in different situations.

Who to Contact:

• Sparsholt Campus: TBC
• Andover Campus: Jane Penfound Jane.Penfound@sparsholtservices.ac.uk