Harbour Learning Trust has pledged to update its policies for both staff and students with care experience, marking an important step forward during Care Leavers Month.
Care Leavers Month is a national campaign that highlights the challenges faced by young people leaving the care system and celebrates their achievements. It calls on organisations and communities to take action so care leavers receive the support, opportunities, and recognition they deserve as they transition into adulthood.
Across England, around 92,000 young people aged 18–25 have left care, while 84,000 children remain in care today. Locally, the challenge is even greater: the proportion of care leavers not in education, employment or training (NEET) in North East Lincolnshire exceeds the national average of 41%. To address this, the council has introduced initiatives such as the recently launched Family Enterprise employment scheme.
By signing up to these policy changes, Harbour Learning Trust joins a growing movement to remove barriers and create fairer opportunities for care experienced individuals in education and employment. This commitment reflects a shared responsibility to help care leavers thrive.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Changing policy is a great first step in ensuring care experienced people get the care and consideration they deserve in relation to employment. It demonstrates a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a level playing field for those who have faced unique challenges growing up.”
“We hope the trust are the first of many businesses to look at their policy change and would encourage any local businesses to get in touch if they’d like advice on how to be inclusive of care experienced people.”
Richard Briggs, CEO of Harbour Learning Trust, said:
“We are very proud of our record as an inclusive trust and proud to have been shortlisted for the TES Inclusive Trust of the Year Award in 2025. All of Harbour’s schools in North East Lincolnshire are Outstanding or Good and this is because of the combination of high standards, high outcomes for children and climate of love in our schools.”
“Our motto is ‘Success and happiness for all’ and our commitment to changing our policies to support those who are care experienced is part of our drive to ensure every person in Harbour feels valued, loved and is able to thrive.”
This pledge aligns with the Council’s ongoing work to recognise care experience as a locally protected characteristic, ensuring that care experienced people are prioritised and supported across the borough.
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