One of the aims of the Children Looked After Service is that all looked after children of school age and care leavers who are at college or university, should have access to a computer to assist with their studies. For children and young people in foster and residential placements up to and including Year 9 Islington’s expectation is that all placements for looked after children and young people under the age of 18 should provide computers and internet access available for use by children and young people.
For children and young people in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 (Years 10 to 6th Form) and for young people who are care leavers aged over 18 studying in Further Education and at University we believe that, where possible and appropriate, a young person should have their own computer to assist them with their education. Computers are intended to support young people with their education. Therefore, a computer will be provided to looked after young people and care leavers who:
Are in school years 10 to 6th Form (i.e. those aged 14 at the start of the academic year up to those aged 18 at the start of the academic year) and who are at school or at further education college.
Have been in continuous education, or have started on a new course and have been attending fully for a minimum of four weeks;
Have not received a computer from their foster carer, their social worker, their Personal Adviser, the Virtual School or Independent Futures in the last 4 years;
Have been looked after for at least 9 months and have a good record of caring for their possessions.
Exceptional circumstances may include a child or young person who does not fit the above criteria but is:
Is younger than 14 years old (year 10) and has a particular need to have access to their own computer or needs specialist equipment or programmes to support SEN.
Laptops for young people will be applied for by their Social Worker or Young Person’s Adviser. (See form available from the template documents on IZZI).