An Asset Account for Looked After Children: A proposal to improve educational outcomes for children in care.

Low levels of educational qualifications are a significant barrier to looked after children overcoming their disadvantaged start in life. The Government has recognised its duty to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for these children. This paper assesses whether an asset-based policy could play a role in improving outcomes for looked after children, particularly with respect to their educational attainment.

It recommends an asset-based approach, based on existing evidence on the effect of assets on individual outcomes, an understanding of current policy and practice for looked after children, and a series of focus group discussions held with young people with experience of the care system, and with staff working with them. This approach builds on and complements previous ippr recommendations that local authorities should make annual £50 deposits into the Child Trust Funds of children in their care, as part of their duty as corporate parents.