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Read our regular bulletin On Board! to keep up to date with recent developments, and to hear from participating LAs, boarding schools and third sector staff as they share their experiences and identify where further support might be needed.
Boarding Provision for Vulnerable Children (BPVC) aims to provide support, stability and opportunities that can improve outcomes for children in need (as defined by section 17 of the Children's Act 1989), as well as for some of those who are looked after or on the edge of care.
"Boarding has given me a great opportunity in life that I would not otherwise have had. I have little to regret about boarding, but so much to be grateful for."
'Thomas', 19, from London, attended boarding school 20032008. Research by Royal Wanstead Children's Foundation, January 2009.
Announced in the 2005 White Paper, Higher Standards, Better Schools for All, the BPVC pathfinder was subsequently launched in November 2006, and has since been working with s to further develop this complementary option of boarding school placement designed to help vulnerable children and their families.
Based on the fact that the educational outcomes of vulnerable children play a crucial part in determining their future opportunities and prospects, this boarding option supports the DCSF's 'narrowing the gap' priority by offering stability and support for a child or young person in need.
involvement
As of February 2009, 21 LAs and more than 80 boarding schools (maintained and independent) have signed up to support boarding placements. Following an evaluation that demonstrated how boarding can make a difference to the life of a vulnerable child, ministers have extended support to all English authorities with a £10,000 implementation grant and the provision of detailed guidance and other resources (available below).
The intention is to support s to:
- incorporate the boarding school option in their arrangements for making decisions about support for vulnerable children
- identify and place children for whom a boarding placement is the best option and support the placement for as long as it is in the interests of the child.
LA delivery support
To assist LAs who wish to consider placing vulnerable children in boarding schools, the DCSF, in collaboration with its partners, has produced a range of materials and guidance to explain the processes and help answer questions. These are available under the following headings:
Further information
For further information about BPVC, including details of how to apply or participate, contact the BPVC team by email, call 020 7340 7646 0797 963 1860, or write to: Boarding Provision for Vulnerable Children (BPVC), Independent Schools and Schools Organisation, Level 3 Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3BT.
For contact details of Educational Trusts, go to Partners in the programme.
Associated documents
BPVC Newsletter Feb 09
(1.3Kb)
Download the contents of this page:
as a Word Document
Last updated on 15/04/2009
