Jasmine is a social work student and a careleaver. Jasmine spent a year in the hospital due to her mental health and came out and went into care at 14 years old and took her GCSEs in the hospital. Jasmine discusses the importance of her stable foster home, what more could have been done to pick up on her mental health during social workers' visits, and how she feels about turning 25 and not having any involvement or support from social services. But also, Jasmine wanted the chance to thank the social workers for what they have done, as without them, Jasmine said she wouldn't be where she is now. High caseloads make it difficult for them to be as present as they would like to be. The problem lies in the processes they are required to follow rather than in the social workers' efforts. More needs to be done to improve the system.

Such an interesting conversation with Tilia about her experience as a social worker and her view on why educational outcomes continue to be low and the barriers to improving them.

Acronyms explaned-

PEP- Personal Educational Plan

SEMH needs- Social Emotional Mental Health

SDQ- Strengths and Difficulties Questionaire

AP- Alternative Provision

EP- Educational Plan Paul Mattocks is an assistant head teacher, pastoral lead, designated safeguarding lead, and teacher within a North Dorset high school.

Paul has vast experience working with and supporting looked-after children in education. This conversation is to find out more about his experience and what his role is within the school to support looked after children to get the best educational outcome possible. We also discuss the barriers these students face, the processes involved, and the reality of school life for these students.

This student was happy to speak to me today to talk about the good and bad things about her time in care and give some amazing advice to any children who maybe entering care

Just a quick hello from me to introduce you to my podcast

1st episode! Today i spoke to Jennifer Bigmore about her experience with looked after children and what she believes are the reasons for low educational outcomes and looking deeper into what can be done to change them.