Higher Education Institution of the Year – Commendation
The rate of Looked After Children/Care Leavers (LAC/CL) in Blackpool has been extremely high for some years. It is currently the highest rate in England with 152.4 per 10,000 children, which is over twice the rate for England as a whole. This situation is compounded by the fact that Blackpool Local Authority also has a high level of out of area LAC/CL as a result of being one of the largest seaside resorts in the UK. Following an internal pilot in 2009, Blackpool and the Fylde College focused on identifying, monitoring and supporting Looked After Children and Care Leavers with: transition, interview, IAG, enrolment, induction, enrichment , progression, employment. Blackpool and the Fylde College also seeks to ensure this cohort have the best chance to reach their potential, by encouraging enjoyment, attendance, retention and success on a Cross-College basis. Overall, high impact has been achieved and gaps bridged, demonstrating that Blackpool and the Fylde College is committed to and is actively contributing to widening access, retention and success.