The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) began as a volunteer network in 2013, run by higher education institutions and national organisations committed to the progression and support of care experienced students in further and higher education. We registered as a charity in 2018 and continue working collaboratively with education practitioners and care system professionals to transform the progression of children in care and care leavers and those who are estranged or seeking sanctuary into and through further and higher education, including higher apprenticeships. Learners with experience of care are at the heart of everything we do.
It is widely recognised young people with experience of care achieve lower educational outcomes than their peers without care experience. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to start adulthood with a good education, leading them to a good career which will sustain them for life. With data telling us 15% of care leavers enter into education by the age of 19, our work supports, connects, inspires and empowers our community, with whom we share our overarching ambition, for more young people with care backgrounds to consider, access and flourish through further and higher education into fulfilling careers and financially secure lives.
Our National Strategy Group (NSG) forms a link between educational providers, their networks and national organisations and agencies. The NSG includes nominated regional representatives from further or higher education and members of national organisations committed to the progression and support of care experienced students.
We are proud to have over 100 organisations in active membership, including universities and colleges, foster agencies, local authority leaving care teams, virtual schools and charities. Over 300 individual practitioners are supported via these organisations enabling us to reach a community of nearly 800 dynamic professionals who participate in our events and benefit from our regular policy and practice updates.
We are led by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for our strategic objectives, financial security and compliance.
Our strategic objectives focus our work;
- Inform Contributing to the creation and dissemination of new knowledge, research and useful information about care experienced learners
- Connect Providing networking opportunities for member organisations and engagement with key stakeholders
- Support Supporting and developing evidence-based effective practice
- Champion Championing the work of our member organisations through advocacy and communications
- Sustain Ensuring the future sustainability of our organisation
Our values shape our organisation and everything we do. Equality We are working for a fair society which is inclusive and celebrates diversity. Initiative We seek out effective educational practices and create opportunities. Collaboration We achieve more by working together to build relationships and provide personalised support. Making a difference We produce useful, evidence-based work which contributes to systemic change.
As a charity, we depend on the generous support of funders, donors and volunteers. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference and transform the educational opportunities for care experienced people.
