If you're a looked-after young person or care leaver, we're here to support you throughout your time at Shrewsbury College.
We understand that moving into further education can bring additional challenges. Our dedicated team can provide personalised support with enrolment, finance, wellbeing, careers guidance and your progression into future study or employment.
Partnership Agreement
We are committed to supporting young people from looked-after backgrounds and are a signatory to the Post-16 Young People in Care and Care Leavers Support Partnership Agreement - West Midlands. Through this partnership, we work with local authorities and other organisations to help young people in care and care leavers achieve positive outcomes in education and training.
How We Support You
One-to-One Campus Tours
Starting somewhere new can feel daunting. To help young people feel comfortable and confident, we offer one-to-one campus tours and can individually introduce them to the staff who will support them throughout their course.
Bespoke enrolment process
The enrolment process can be adapted to the young person’s needs. For example, we can enrol individually at quiet times or provide support for the young person during the enrolment session.
Designated Teacher (DT)
A Designated Teacher (DT) will work closely with the young person and with staff and other agencies involved in their support and care. Upon disclosure of looked-after or care-leaver status, the young person will be introduced to a DT, who will provide support and guidance throughout their time in the college.
Sophie Charles is the DT and first point of contact for young people in local authority care, care leavers, carers, and local authorities. She works closely with Jemma Broomhall, who is the Progression Specialist for looked-after young people and attends their PEPs, etc. Together, they provide support before enrolment and throughout a young person’s time at college, helping to ensure a smooth transition and offering ongoing guidance and advice
Financial Support
Looked-after young people are eligible for a Vulnerable Bursary, which can help with transport, meals, educational trips, course-related equipment and uniforms. We can also help set up the cashless system that allows money to be uploaded onto student ID badges to pay for food and drink in our college cafés outlets, buy course resources, and pay for trips.
Additional bursaries may also be available. The Designated Teacher and Student Services team can provide advice and support with applications.
Careers Advice
We offer careers guidance and course advice, as ensuring that the right people are on the right course is essential, and we provide accurate and up-to-date information, advice and guidance to help young people and their carers to make well-informed decisions on courses and plans.
Support for Local Authorities
Single Point of Contact
Having a single point of contact will benefit local authorities by clarifying who they can liaise with regarding looked-after young people and care leavers. The DT will request information to support the young person’s claim for financial support and discuss any safeguarding matters and medical or learning support needs.
Progress Updates and Reviews
We can provide regular updates, arrange PEP meetings and either attend or provide reports for LAC Review meetings as required. In addition, we will contact social workers to discuss issues and request a meeting if the need arises during the course.
Contact Us
You can contact Sophie Charles, Designated Safeguarding Lead & Designated Teacher for LAYP, on 01743 653345/653000 or email
Jemma Broomhall, our LAYP Progression Specialist, can be contacted on 01743 653388 or by email at