Teachers Who Care

In partnership with Become, the national charity for children in care and young care leavers, we created the Teachers Who Care short film.

It’s designed to help ensure that every care experienced student in the UK can receive the support and stability they need, from the people who play such a vital role in their lives – school staff.

Whether you’re a teacher, member of support staff, caretaker or administrator, this training (made up of a short film, and INSET training pack) is designed for all professionals working in education. And we hope that it will help school staff recognise the challenges faced by children in care and offer practical insight into how you can support them proactively.

The young people who inspired and co-created this film said that staff in their education settings play(ed) a significant role in their lives. When going through difficult or potentially traumatic experiences at home, these young people need a consistent, familiar and supportive environment. Your school could be that environment.

What resonated most with me was the reminder of the power and impact we, as teachers, have when engaging in conversations with young people. More often than not, school is one of the few constants in their lives. What we say, and how we say it, can carry many meanings

Key Stage 3 Teacher

Key Facts and Statistics

In April 2024, statistics from the Department for Education revealed:

• 83,630 children were in the care system in England
• 22% had been placed more than 20 miles from home
• 27% had lived with more than two foster families within the year, with some moving up to seven times
• educational attainment for children in care was below the national average across all key stages. 

These figures highlight the instability many care experienced students face. Frequent moves, unfamiliar environments and disrupted routines can have a significant impact on their education. Lower academic results are often a reflection of this instability, not a measure of a young person’s ability or potential.

By understanding the realities faced by care experienced students and recognising the power of consistent and compassionate support, school staff can make a lasting difference. The Teachers Who Care film is a tool that empowers educators to create safe, stable environments where pupils can thrive. And when staff are equipped with the right knowledge and approach, students are more likely to engage with their learning, unlocking a more hopeful future.

You can also get a downloadable resource pack to deepen understanding and help school staff apply this to their setting and roles.

Access the free INSET training pack on Become’s website