"I'm a care leaver, here's my story"
Ben went into care when he was 3, due to mental health in his family meaning he had been neglected as a baby and toddler. He says, ‘When I arrived in care, I was sleeping as it was late. I woke up in the morning, confused, frightened and scared and I woke up screaming because I was in an unfamiliar environment. I was unable to speak and, aged 3, was very much like a baby still.’
Ben quickly settled as his foster carer provided a safe and secure environment for him. He was nurtured as if he was a baby, which helped him to build a bond with his carer and helped him learn how to excel.
Ben has been fortunate to have one foster carer, who has looked after him as a long-term fostering placement since that first night. In his own words, he explains, ‘My relationship with my foster carer is close and strong. I refer to her as aunty. The bond is like a mother and son. I was treated the same as her own daughter, which made me feel loved. I was encouraged to believe in myself and that anything I wanted to achieve was possible.’
Ben still keeps in touch with his birth family. He says, ‘I still visit them. My relationship with my family is okay but I struggle to relate to them. My carer has always made sure my family was seen in a positive manner and that I should always be appreciative of the little things that they were able to do.’
Ben is dual heritage, and his nan is from the Caribbean. He was matched with his foster carer who also has Caribbean heritage and was able to educate him on the Caribbean culture and make him feel proud to be a part of it. Ben says, ‘It helped me to relate to both my nan, and my foster carer’s family. It is more important for a foster carer to understand the type of child they may be looking after, their cultural needs and wants, as this will have an impact on the child’s life.’
How has growing up in foster care changed Ben’s life? ‘I have been able to go on nice holidays. However, I had to earn and work hard to obtain rewards. It’s been instilled into me that it’s important to understand that you have to work hard in life in order to achieve success, and that rewards are earned not just given.’
Ben has definitely worked hard. He did well at school, through some difficulties and achieved high grades in BTECs (2 As, 1B). Clare Houlton, the Headteacher for the Virtual School for Children Looked After*, played an important role in regards to education, ensuring Ben made the most of his academic opportunities and maximised his potential. He says, ‘Clare always went the extra mile, and was genuine and caring.’
Here’s Clare’s perspective: ‘As Virtual School Headteacher for children looked after, it has been an absolute privilege to work with Ben and his wonderful foster carer to support him on his educational journey from year 6 through to year 13 and beyond. Ben demonstrated exceptional resilience and focus in order to maximise his potential, achieve his goals and attain an excellent set of GCSE and post-16 qualifications. I am extremely proud of Ben’s achievements and he is an outstanding role model for children looked after. He is also responsible for introducing me to Cadbury’s chocolate Roundies and nothing brightens my week up more than popping over to see Ben and his foster carer for a cup of tea, a Roundie or two and a good catch up!
‘Being a determined advocate for Ben was at the heart of helping him to feel supported in the areas of his life and education which mattered to him most. Determined advocacy is one of the key elements at the centre of the way in which the Virtual School works to build relationships and support our children and young people to be confident in their ability and realise their potential.’
Something else that Ben noted was important was his appearance and clothing. He explains, ‘Socially, kids are very aware of other kid’s appearances, and this can often be one of the key areas they will use to pick on another child. A child in care, and any child, will want to fit in and not stick out so it’s important that a child can feel comfortable in public. Thanks to my carer, I was dressed fashionably and comfortably and this was important to me.’
What would Ben say to anyone thinking of fostering?
‘I want new foster carers to know that fostering isn’t going to be an easy journey, they shouldn’t give up when they encounter difficult times. Just like you wouldn’t give up on your own child, you shouldn’t give up on a foster child. The reason why my placement has been successful is because my carer taught me good morals and values and persevered through tough times.’
What’s next?
Ben is 18 and is now classed as a care leaver. He has a ‘Staying Put’ arrangement with his foster carer, which means he is able to leave his foster home when he feels comfortable. Excitedly, Ben is now in the process of starting his own business which will aim to support care leavers like himself. Watch this space.
*The Virtual School for Children Looked After maintains a school roll of all Reading’s children looked after, including those children placed out of authority, monitors Personal Education Plans, admissions, attendance, exclusions and has a duty to promote the educational achievement of all children looked after and previously looked after.
Exam results support for Reading’s young people
Young people will be able to access expert support from Brighter Futures for Children’s (BFfC) professional careers advisers after they receive their exam results next week.
The team at Elevate careers service will be available to provide information, advice and guidance online, in person or by phone after students find out their AS/A Level results on 10 August and GCSE results on 12 August.
Elevate, which is run by BFfC, is also holding a summer networking event later this month to help young people find a college course, apprenticeship or employment.
Young people who are concerned about their exam results have a variety of ways to chat with the careers team about their possible next steps. They can:
- Book a face-to-face appointment in the new Youth Hub based at The Curious Lounge, The Pinnacle building, in Tudor Road, Reading, RG1 1NH.
- Chat live online at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/young-peoples-zone/careers-service-for-young-people/
- Call: 0118 937 3766
- Email: elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org
A summer networking event will also give young people living in Reading aged 16-19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and /or disabilities, a chance to talk to local providers about college courses, training and employment opportunities. Elevate is holding the event in partnership with New Meaning on Thursday 19 August, 11am-3pm, in Portman Road, Reading.
Places must be booked in advance by calling Elevate on 0118 937 3766 or by email at: elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.
Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, Director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “Our team of experts at Elevate are ready and waiting to help Reading’s young people who are looking for advice and support after receiving their exam results.
“I am delighted that this year, they can offer face-to-face appointments in the excellent new Youth Hub in Reading town centre. There is also a great opportunity for young people to find out more about further education, apprenticeship and employment prospects at a summer networking event this month.”
Cllr Ashley Pearce, Lead Councillor for Education, said: “It has been another extraordinary year for students in our schools and once again they will be receiving their exam results without having sat any exams.
“It is essential Reading’s young people have career experts to turn to for advice and support if they are concerned about their results. I would encourage any young person in that position to contact the friendly team at Elevate to chat about their next steps.”
The Elevate page on the Brighter Futures for Children website is regularly updated with local opportunities for jobs, traineeships, apprenticeships and internships, plus further and higher education choices. Visit: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/young-peoples-zone/careers-service-for-young-people/
Young people talk about mental health challenges of the pandemic
Young ambassadors for a Reading youth counselling service have produced a series of videos discussing mental health issues related to the pandemic.
No5 counselling service for children and young people has joined forces with Reading Borough Council and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) to make the short videos to offer support as we come out of lockdown.
The four young ambassadors from No5 have reflected on the past 16 months and what it has meant to them and described how they have managed to get through it.
In the videos, Tia talks about the difficulty of starting a new school during the pandemic and how she dealt with feelings of anxiety and lack of motivation. University student Gemma tells how she changed her mind set to turn an unexpected Christmas away from her family in Italy into a positive experience. And Angie describes how we should spend more time taking care of ourselves, as we would a child.
Also, Abbie explains why it is okay to admit you are struggling and to ask for help; discusses dealing with anxiety about the future and tells how she felt nervous about going back to work in retail.
You can watch the videos and find more information and resources regarding mental health and wellbeing, at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/young-peoples-zone/mental-health-support/ and follow @readingyoungpeople on Instagram.
Deborah Glassbrook, Executive Director of Children’s Services, said: “The last year has been a particularly difficult time for our children and young people. They have had to cope with the anxiety of staying away from school, friends and family members and have faced uncertainty in all aspects of their lives.
“The No5 young ambassadors share fascinating stories in their videos and give some great advice about how they have dealt with different situations. As we enter the long summer holidays, I am sure it will be a big help for young people to hear about the real-life experiences of their peers and to think about their own mental wellbeing.”
Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Lead Councillor for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, said: “The COVID pandemic has significantly impacted many people’s wellbeing over the last year, and for young people, getting back a normal life may feel far away. I’m proud that work done by Tessa Brunsden, Community Alcohol Partnership Officer, with local secondary school children earlier this year was able to inform this collaborative project. Her presentations and discussions with the pupils highlighted that many young people’s anxiety surrounding COVID wasn’t just related to physical health and following the local Government guidance, but also in maintaining friendships, planning for the future, and concerns for their family members.
“The young ambassadors at No5 are trusted faces for many young people in Reading, and they have created some excellent videos touching on specific issues raised in the school sessions. As Reading follows the rest of the country in leaving lockdown restrictions, the videos are an important reminder to take the next step at your own pace, as even a positive change can be different for everyone.
“I’d encourage everyone to watch the videos when they’re shared on our social media platforms each Sunday, or take a look at the full playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW2GVxPNwSYZTgRMooLH0io2ubsYbmgyX.”
No5 is a community-based organisation offering free, confidential, specialist counselling and mental health support to children and young people aged 11-25. Visit the website at: https://no5.org.uk/.
Carly Newman, Operations and Relationships Manager at No5, said: “Our Young Ambassadors provide fantastic insight into the experiences and struggles of young people over the last 16 months, and it is so important that local young people hear their messages and know that they are not alone. We are so glad to work alongside our statutory partners to share these messages and help support local young people.”
The six short videos are also being shared on Brighter Futures for Children’s and Reading Borough Council’s social media channels over the summer.
Quality of care for children & young people with SEND in Reading improving
Brighter Futures For Children, Berkshire West CCG & RBC Press Release
The quality of care and support for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in Reading is improving, with leaders across the area working well together.
This is the inspectors’ view following a recent joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) local area SEND inspection in Reading.
The inspectors recognised that leaders have acted swiftly to address issues which affect children and young people with SEND in Reading and have a clear view of how they will continue to improve services.
The joint inspection took place between 21-25 June and involved health services and schools in the borough, Brighter Futures for Children and Reading Borough Council. Inspectors also spoke to children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers.
The report from Ofsted and CQC, published today, does not give an overall ‘judgment’ but details the positive findings of the inspection.
The main findings say the quality of care for children and young people with SEND in Reading is improving and recent actions taken show the determination of leaders to make Reading a good place to be for children and young people with SEND.
Leaders also recognise the concerns of parents and have plans under way to address the issues that worry parents most, such as the availability of specialist school places.
Inspectors recognised that many professionals work well together and there is better – and earlier – identification of children with SEND. They said co-production and joint working is well established in Reading and there are many examples of how this is helping to identify children’s needs in a timely way.
Schools and early years settings are well supported by both education and health services, says the report, and a number of schools have collaborated to make sure the curriculum supports all pupils to learn, including those with SEND.
Looking at the effectiveness of the local area in meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND, inspectors said: “Improvements to services are planned and delivered in genuine partnership, with parents and young people included as standard.”
The Family Information Service and Reading SEND Local Offer were recognised for providing good information for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND and there is widespread awareness among families of where to go to find information and advice.
The report says the local area is improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. This includes a reduction in the number of pupils being excluded from schools, which has improved by the adoption of a therapeutic thinking approach now being delivered in most schools.
Outcomes for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) are in line with, or above, the national average by the time they leave primary school. In secondary schools, pupils with SEND in Reading attain better results than their peers nationally.
Inspectors highlighted some areas for development but did not issue a written statement of actions, which is a strong indication of the level of improvement in the Reading area.
Deborah Glassbrook, Executive Director of Children’s Services in Reading, said: “I am delighted inspectors expressed confidence in the leadership in Reading and recognised the willingness to continue to improve services for children and young people with SEND.
“The report gives a clear demonstration of how our different services and organisations are working well together to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people in Reading. “
Niki Cartwright, Interim Director of Joint Commissioning for NHS Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We know we still have much to do but we are aware of the issues and what needs to be addressed and plans to action these will be in our forthcoming and revised joint SEND Strategy.”
Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “I would like to thank everybody who was involved in the joint local area inspection and in particular our staff, everyone at Brighter Futures for Children and our partners in the NHS and Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group for their input and support.
“I’d like to extend all our thanks to the leaders and staff of all the organisations involved in the delivery of services, and the schools, local forums, parent carers and young people themselves who were interviewed or gave their views to the inspectors.”
The full Ofsted and CQC report can be viewed at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/10147311-Reading-LASEND-Final.pdf.
It will be published on the Ofsted website on 4 August.
Summer activities for children and young people across Reading
Activities ranging from basketball to a teddy bear’s picnic are being offered to children and young people in Reading by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) this summer.
Our children’s centres and youth teams have put together a busy programme of events for all tastes and ages during the school holidays.
And even more activities are being offered to children and young people through the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.
Children’s Centres
Reading’s children’s centres are offering a selection of face-to-face and virtual activities from Monday 26 July to Friday 27 August. They include Yoga and Movement in Palmer Park; Getting to know your Bump (for parents-to-be) in Southcote Children’s Centre and Storytime in the Park at several locations around the borough.
There are also regular Buggy Walks in Caversham, Cintra Park and Coley Park, Toe to Head baby massage and Rhyme Time at centres around Reading. Find out more at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/for-parents-carers/activities-things-to-do/
Youth team
Each week our youth team will be out and about in the borough as well as holding some special summer activities. These include a basketball tournament, archery, frisbee golf, giant Jenga and Connect 4, football, cycling, a bike and scooter festival and summer community festivals to mark the end of the holidays.
Visit the Young People’s Zone on the BFfC website for details.
Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme
Brighter Futures for Children is co-ordinating the HAF programme throughout the school holidays on behalf of Reading Borough Council. These activities are available to children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
There is a wide variety of holiday camps and clubs across the borough and they will also provide a nutritious lunch every day.
Organisations offering activities include Get Active Sports, Nature Nurture, Energy Kidz, Face Adventures, Reading Football Club and many more.
Eligible families who have not already registered for a free place can still do so at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/for-parents-carers/haf/
Also, the Family Information Service has a page of activities and events for families over the summer and it will be constantly updated.
Deborah Glassbrook, Director of Children’s Services at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer such a wide range of activities and events for children and young people in Reading this summer.
“Our children’s centres and youth teams have continued to be there for Reading’s children, young people and families throughout the pandemic, even if it has sometimes been virtually.
“They will continue to provide fun, energetic activities remotely and face-to-face throughout the summer to make sure as many people as possible can take part.”
Cllr Liz Terry, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “It has been another difficult year for our children and young people and I hope this programme of activities will help make it a summer they can really enjoy.
“I am particularly pleased to see the great range of holiday camps and clubs on offer free of charge through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
“I would encourage as many families as possible to take advantage of these excellent summer activities.”
Supporting Reading schools to make ‘green’ learning fun
Inspiring and fun ways of teaching Reading pupils about climate change and the environment are featured in a new newsletter for schools published by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) and the Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP).
The Reading Schools Eco Newsletter includes offers of free teaching resources, help to make outdoor spaces greener, sustainable travel advice and membership of a schools’ climate action network.
The quarterly newsletter is also packed with local environment news, tips and advice for schools, pupils and students.
BFfC’s climate change lead practitioner works with RCCP on the publication which in this edition offers schools the chance to borrow renewable energy kits recently acquired by BFfC. The kits are a fun way of demonstrating to pupils how the sun’s energy is used to heat water and produce electricity and how wind energy is used to produce electricity.
Reading Climate Action Network (RCAN), which is run by RCCP, also offers free advice to schools on how they can make their outdoor spaces greener. And a Reading Schools Climate Action Network (RSCAN) has been created for primary and secondary school staff so they can link-up and share ideas.
The latest edition of the school’s eco newsletter also includes top tips for individuals and schools on topics ranging from energy saving to recycling, and from transport to water and waste.
Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “It is vital children learn about climate change and the environment at a young age and we want to help Reading schools teach these subjects in a way that excites and inspires pupils.
“The Reading Schools Eco Newsletter is a brilliant way of letting teachers know what support is on offer and arming them with lots of useful information and fun resources for lessons. It is also a great example of joined-up working with our friends at the Reading Climate Change Partnership.”
Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “The Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) and Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP) Eco Schools Newsletter is great resource for our schools, to support their work on environmental education and climate change.
“Climate change is one of the most significant challenges we face and these resources will help to inform, inspire, and empower young people to learn more and to make a positive difference for their futures.”
Help with school uniforms
Parents of children who are starting secondary school in September will soon be thinking about buying the school uniform for the start of term.
The cost of a school uniform can be a cause for concern for some families but there is some help available from local charities.
Parents who are facing difficulty buying a uniform should first approach the school their child is going to attend as it may have funds available, offer uniforms at a discount or have previously owned uniforms for families on low incomes.
If the school is unable to assist, there are five local charities that may be able to help with pre-owned school uniforms:
- New Beginnings, based at The Queens Arms, Great Knollys Street, Reading. Please visit their website to find out more https://newbeginningsreading.org/ they also have a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NewBeginningsReading/ for up to date information. You can also contact them on 07421 998208
- First Days, based in Wokingham, offers help with school uniforms. Parents need to be able to pick up the clothing from their base. They can be contacted on 0118 921 9338, website: https://www.firstdays.net/
- Weller Centre, in Amersham Road, Caversham. Visit their website https://wellercentre.co.uk/ for up to date information, or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wellercentre/ or call 0118 947 5828
- Whitley Community Development Association, in Northumberland Avenue, Reading, has a surplus food and school uniform pop up on Thursdays and Fridays 9am-noon. Contact them directly to check availability on 0118 374 0052 or email: info@whitley-cda.org, website: https://whitley-cda.org/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamWhitleyCDA/
- The Cowshed is a Christian charity that provides clothing and other items for individuals and families in Berkshire experiencing hardship. It offers its services to people from all faiths and none. The Cowshed works in partnership with support services such as GPs, health visitors, churches, charities and social service agencies who provide it with referrals. Website: https://www.thecowshed.org/
All these services are listed on the Family Information Service website at: www.readingfis.org. It is worth checking the site regularly as other organisations may also offer support throughout the summer.
The gov.uk website also contains information about financial help available if you have children at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/financial-help-children
Pandemic accelerated a new way of working
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred us on to try new ways of working which are here to stay, the Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) says in a newly published article.
Di Smith says working practices have had to change rapidly since she took the reins of the company at the start of the first lockdown in April 2020. And now BFfC is embracing the changes and making them work to its advantage.
Writing in a leadership feature in Children & Young People Now, Ms Smith says the virus has accelerated a move towards a more flexible and agile way of working which will benefit staff and Reading’s children and young people.
Most BFfC employees have been working from home or remotely during the pandemic and that model is set to continue even when restrictions are lifted. There will be no general call for staff to return to the office once its doors are reopened and individuals are being encouraged to make their own working arrangements with their managers.
Office-based staff will have the flexibility to choose how often they go into the office or work remotely as long as it is in line with management and operational requirements.
Ms Smith says in her article: “At Brighter Futures for Children, we have not only embraced virtual meetings but have used the learning from the pandemic to accelerate our commitment to an agile way of working.
“We realised during the first lockdown that standard office hours didn’t always fit with our employees’ own lives. Home schooling, living alone or in a tight space with a large family all present challenges.
“Working flexibly and being trusted to do so can mean staff cope better personally and deliver a better service for children and families.”
Ms Smith explains BFfC’s approach to developing agile working in five headings: keep in touch; listen to learn; focus on the outcomes; have the right kit and work together.
She said: “We have learned a lot over the last year and will continue to explore with our staff how agile working can enable them to perform at their best for the company, and ultimately for the children and young people of Reading.”
The article on Flexible Working by Board Chair Di Smith can be viewed on the BFfC website, is available to read on cypnow.co.uk and appears in the July print edition of Children & Young People Now.
Reading part of a pilot for a new UK government emergency alert system
The UK government is introducing a new Emergency Alerts system that will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger.
To ensure the Emergency Alerts system works effectively, the government will be carrying out a series of tests. The first test will be in Reading on Tuesday 29 June, between 1pm and 2pm.
The Emergency Alert will be used to warn you in emergencies such as severe flooding or terror attacks.
Many people in Reading at that time on that day with a modern mobile phone that is switched on could receive a message, and their phone will ring and vibrate even if it is set to silent. It is based on location not residency so it will affect everyone in the area, even if they are just passing through.
Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.
If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts.
If you receive a test alert, you won’t need to do anything on this occasion. If you receive one in the future, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.
Following the test, please complete the user survey at gov.uk/alerts so we can gather and respond to feedback and make improvements to Emergency Alerts.
To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit gov.uk/alerts.
National Thank a Teacher Day 2021
A national day to celebrate the work of teachers is taking place on Wednesday 23 June and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) is encouraging Reading’s children and parents to take part.
The last year has been another challenging one for schools as COVID-19 continued to put additional work and responsibilities on teachers and support staff.
Children and young people may have been welcomed back to school but it has certainly not been business as usual.
Schools were responsible for setting up their own testing hubs for students and have been supplying kits for teachers and young people. Recently, some schools were also asked to help with the ‘surge testing’ campaign in parts of Reading.
School leaders have had to follow constant updates to COVID-19 guidance and review the procedures they have put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
The cancellation of this year’s summer exams has resulted in teachers carrying out assessments for each candidate.
All this is on top of their day to day job of teaching Reading’s children and young people.
Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, Director of Education at BFfC, said:
“We wanted to use National Thank a Teacher Day as an opportunity to reiterate our gratitude to Reading’s teaching staff for the way they have continued to step up to the demands which have placed upon them.
“Their responsibilities have gone far beyond teaching children throughout the pandemic and they deserve praise for their commitment and professionalism. But most of all, our teachers have shown how much they care about their pupils and how they have been constantly prepared to go above and beyond for them.
“On behalf of Brighter Futures for Children, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all teaching staff in Reading for their hard work and dedication.”
Cllr Ashley Pearce, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education, said:
“National teacher day is an opportunity for us to thank all of the teaching staff across Reading’s schools for the tremendous work they do every day to ensure our young people get the best start to life they possibly can.
“We have so many inspirational, life changing teachers in our schools and we are proud to have each one of these here with us shaping the future of Reading. We all have that teacher we remember, the one that inspired us to believe we can do better, to go on to achieve bigger and better things than even we believed ourselves.
“Our teachers have always been there for our young people to trust and confide in, and over the last year this constant has been more important than ever in so many people’s lives. So, a big thank you to our teachers today and every day.”
National Thank a Teacher Day is a great opportunity for children, parents and carers to show their appreciation for their teachers.
Children are being encouraged to send their message of thanks on Wednesday 23 June by recording a short video clip, sending a free e-card, sharing messages on social media etc. There are plenty of ideas and activities for children on the national website at: https://thankateacher.co.uk/thank-a-teacher-day/.
You can also share you message with us at @BFfC_Child on twitter and at @BFfCChild on Facebook.