Using photovoice to learn from our care experienced and estranged students

Abstract

Care experienced and estranged students continue to be one of the most under-represented groups in higher education. Latest widening participation data show that in 2018 – 19, just 13% of young people who met the government definition of a Former Relevant Looked After Child entered higher education, compared to 43% of all other pupils (DfE). As such, OfS has designated care experienced learners as a Priority Cohort to be included in institutional Access and Participation Plans for targeted support.

LJMU has a long history of supporting care experienced students and those estranged from their families and, in 2022, was the first university to be awarded the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) Quality Mark for Higher Education outside of the pilot phase after undertaking a significant review of current LJMU provision and the submission of a three year institutional action plan.

As part of this action plan, colleagues from the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies, the Teaching and Learning Academy and Student Advice and Wellbeing Services have initiated a cross-institutional research project utilising PhotoVoice to capture the experiences of students studying at Foundation and Level 4 in 2022 / 23. This session will provide an initial insight into some of the initial findings of the project, in the context of institutional data on the access, progression and success of current care experienced and estranged students.

Using photovoice to learn from our care experienced and estranged students, PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.