UPDATE NO 449 16 April 2021

The road not taken – a new report on post-16 course choices from the Social Mobility Commission

The Social Mobility Commission investigated the drivers of socio-economic differences in post-16 course choices and their likely social mobility consequences.

The full report is here, and a literature review and technical evidence report is here.

Social Mobility Commission analysis of students’ post-16 choices and later earnings shows those from more disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to follow courses that lead to higher earnings and this is even more so for women.

The careers guidance available was limited, especially about technical qualifications and employment, and gendered norms for job roles need to be challenged.

Two-child limit on child benefit and its impact on child poverty

“It feels as though my third child doesn’t matter” The impact of the two-child limit after four years.

This report from CPAG, the Church of England and the Welfare Reform and Larger Families research project presents the latest estimates of the number of families affected by the two-child limit, and provides an insight into the impact of the policy using survey data from families directly affected by it. It is a continuation of a series of annual reports tracking the impact of this policy over time.

Since 6 April 2017, parents having a third or subsequent child are no longer eligible for support for that child through child tax credit and universal credit if they need it. This support is worth up to £2,830 per child per year. If the limit was removed today 200,000 children would be lifted out of poverty.

The full report is here.

Future dates for network meetings

Lead Members Group: Friday 23 April joint meeting with DCSs. More information from Alison Michalska (contact details below)

Data Benchmarking: Tuesday 13 July 2021. More information from Alastair Lee (contact details below)

Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board: Tuesday 20 April 2021. More information from Rebecca Eligon (contact details below)

AD Education: Friday 7 May 2021 – 10.30am. More information from Chris Owen (contact details below)

AD Safeguarding: Friday 11 June 2021. More information from Mark Evans (contact details below)

QA Network: More information from Amanda Meadows (contact details below)

Fostering Network: 10.30am 19 July 2021. More information from Rebecca Eligon (contact details below)

SEND SE19: More information from Tracey Maytas (contact details below)

Clinical Review and Practice Guide for Children in Care’s Emotional/Mental Health Needs

Andrea King (contact details below) writes:

“Dear All

“I’m delighted to send you the Clinical Review and Practice Guide for all multi-professional staff working with Children in Care (EMH Guide), in advance of the Community of Practice event on 16^th April with IRO colleagues across the South East. This Guide has been co-designed with IRO Managers and CAMHS Clinicians; thanks to Kent, Hampshire & IoW, Surrey, Wokingham and Brighton & Hove IRO Managers for their particular support and leadership.

“A huge thanks to Dr Gavin Lockhart for his work on developing this guide in dialogue with national advisors and to colleagues at the Children’s Outcome Research Consortium (CORC) for their input.

“The Clinical Review and Practice Guide for all staff working with Children in Care, provides a practical overview of best evidenced practice in recognising, understanding, supporting and monitoring change in the emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of our Children in Care. Please do disseminate this freely in your local networks and feel free to share with colleagues in other regions where you border/work closely with other areas – the guide will be shared nationally.

“All of the resources can be found here

“Andrea”