We can advise on your options:
- Full-time and part-time courses at college and other education providers.
- Apprenticeships - where you work alongside studying.
- Studying at university.
- Full-time and part-time employment.
We want you to succeed in your education, employment and training choices so will give you lots of assistance such as financial support, help with application forms and support to write your CV.
You will be invited to attend the Access to Education, Employment and Training Panel if you feel you are able. If you do not feel able, you can ask that your personal advisor or social worker attends on your behalf.
16+ Supporting Futures Team
The 16+ Supporting Futures Team works with lots of other organisations and services such as Bedford College to help you extend your skills and knowledge. When you write your Pathway Plan you will discuss your future hopes and dreams and we will assist you to make plans to achieve these.
Virtual School Team
If you are aged between 16 and 18 our Virtual School Team will help you. They will create a Personal Education Plan (PEP) for you to make sure you are getting the right support. and the best educational opportunities.
Guaranteed interviews for apprenticeships at Bedford Borough Council
We offer care leavers a guaranteed interview, if they meet selection criteria, for any apprenticeship opportunities they apply for at Bedford Borough Council. The Jobs Hub in Bedford town centre can provide information, advice and guidance for care leavers over the age of 18.
College and university
If you decide to stay in education after school, you are entitled to lots of help and support.
What you are entitled to in further education (college)
- 16-19 Bursary Fund, payable if you are in our care or have recently become care experienced. The amount you receive will vary from course to course and college to college.
- Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) if studying in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales. Your Personal Advisor and the Virtual School can help you with this.
What you are entitled to in higher education (university)
If you go to university, we will provide you with a yearly bursary for up to three years in total.
This is made up of:
- £4,250 Higher Education Grant, which includes a £2000 bursary, split over the three years.
- £250 a year towards travel
- A laptop at the beginning of your course (max £500 and if you have not had one before).
- £450 per year towards books and equipment for your course.
- Arrangements for accommodation during University Holidays can be discussed with your Personal Advisers.
- A one-off payment of £100 towards the costs of graduating.
Other support available in Bedford Borough
Post-16 Education Support Service
This service works closely with the 16+ Supporting Futures Team to make sure Care Experienced Young People are getting the right level of support. The Post-16 Education Support Service give advice and guidance on job searches, applying for further learning opportunities and refer you to the Jobs Hub.
The Princes Trust
The Princes Trust offers free courses to help you get to where you want to be. The courses are designed to develop your skills and confidence and to help you get a taste of different industries with some opportunity for work experience. Visit the website or phone 0800 842 842, or by text ‘call me’ to 07983 385418.
SSG Services
SSG offers a wide range of training programmes at lots of different levels. The programmes are designed to teach young people aged 16+ new skills, help you grow in confidence and prepare for employment. Visit the website or phone 01234 340782, or speak to your Social Worker or Personal Advisers.
The Jobs Hub
Our Jobs Hub can help you find a job, gain new skills, build confidence, write a CV, interview practice, help start up a business and much more.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The DWP can help you with advice on financial support and benefits, looking for a job and building your skills. You can also be given a Job Coach to support you. You can call on 0800 1690190 to find out more or make an appointment. The DWP is based at the Job Centre at 57 Bromham Road.
Access to Education, Employment and Training (AEET) Panel
At Bedford Borough our AEET Panel is where different services and organisations come together to support young people who are not in education, employment or training. Your Social Worker and Personal Advisor will talk to you about the panel and you are invited to attend. We will work hard to make sure you are given all of the support you need.