Education

Up to the age of 19 there is a dedicated Connexions worker who can provide you with advice and guidance on all post-16 options, help you with job searches and applications for opportunities, looking at different ways of working and learning, and further training, and advise you on what you need to get the career you want.

Email: connexions.NT@northtyneside.gov.uk

Until you are 18 your plans will be set out in your Personal Education Plan (PEP) and this will continue in your Pathway Plan. We know that Maths and English Level 2 are really important so HIVE can provide extra tuition if you need a little help.

If you have an EHCP, Connexions can continue to work with you up to age 25.

If you are over 19, Working Well can provide this support and hold a weekly drop-in at the Lodge every Tuesday.  Ask your PA to make an appointment for you.

The Adult Learning Service (external link) offers a range of support for over 18s that can help you begin to think about what you want to do or access further training or employment. Their website will give you an overview of everything available.

When you start a new course your social worker or personal advisor will help you to apply for any money you are entitled to – this could include an education bursary or a travel pass or support with equipment like books or a uniform for your training. HIVE may be able to provide funding for laptops and other college equipment you need – speak to your social worker or personal advisor about this.

You can apply for up to £100 a year for training or work-related clothing or equipment.  Speak to your PA if you think this would help you.

Update: we have recently started a cookery course with Adult learning at the Riverside centre and this will be repeated starting in November 2024, let us know if you’re interested.  We are also hoping to start a DIY course and we will keep you updated with further information.

One-to-one support is provided by your personal adviser, just call them to make an appointment that works for you.  We can look at volunteering opportunities through partner agencies as well as helping you to choose the right course and university that matches talents and interests. One to one sessions can also be arranged with Connexions or ‘Working Well’.

To help you with your training or hobbies once you are 18, the Leaving Care Team will pay for one short course for you to the value of £100.

Up to the age of 21 HIVE may be able to fund up to 10 driving lessons to help you develop your skills or we can look for funding for this.

Many universities have extra financial support for care leavers. Your social worker or personal advisor can help you to apply for this and general student finance. We do not pay university fees but will pay for your accommodation throughout the year (see Accommodation section for weekly limit of rent) if you have been a child in care in North Tyneside for 13 weeks or more since your 14th birthday with at least some time following your 16th birthday. You will also receive a £2,000 bursary across the first three years of any degree level study. This is usually divided over three payments at the end of each successfully passed academic year but you can apply to use it earlier if you need things for your course such as textbooks or a specific laptop.

We do not provide a living allowance for you at university, you will need to apply for student finance. You can access information about that through UCAS via this link https://www.ucas.com/sfe or Connexions or Working Well will be able to help you.

If you need to leave your student accommodation during holiday time, your PA will help you decide what to do and look at options available to you.  We can support you with this even if you are a qualifying young person. 

HIVE can help you with funding for travel and accommodation for visits to see universities that you might attend.

Whilst you are away at university your personal advisor will continue to maintain contact and continue to visit you wherever you choose to study.

If you plan to continue to post graduate level study, the leaving care team may be able to provide further accommodation for that academic year for a maximum of one year.  This should be discussed with your PA and considered within your Pathway Plan.  This support will be considered on an individual basis relating to the benefit of the additional study to your career advancement.

If you leave university before completing your course, you must speak to your PA and to the university or landlord about how your accommodation costs can be met.  It is your responsibility to manage or repay any student finance or loans that you have taken out.