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Independent schools 'to receive £10,000 to enrol vulnerable pupils'

Posted on 4th June 2009

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Government grants of up to £10,000 will be offered to private schools to take on students whose parents are on the verge of breaking up, it has been reported.

Schools minister Sarah McCarthy-Fry revealed a total of 90 independent boarding schools have given the green light to provide places for those who may be taken into care, the Independent relayed.

A total of 24 of England's 150 local authorities have also pledged to take part in the scheme.

Ms McCarthy-Fry said more authorities are being encouraged to get involved, but there is a "reluctance to take it on board".

According to the newspaper, research has found evidence that such a program could benefit both parents and children.

Intervention before the family splits and prior to children being taken into care "prevents family break-up", Ms McCarthy-Fry added.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Boarding Schools Association earlier this year, Wymondham College head Melvyn Roffe said the stability offered by such institutions could prove beneficial for at-risk children.

"We know that boarding school isn't the answer for every vulnerable child ... but it could be the answer for a whole lot more," he said. ADNFCR-921-ID-19202943-ADNFCR