Educational achievements of children in care celebrated

Etienne Capoue joined a number of special guests at the 11th Annual Aiming Higher Awards to celebrate the educational achievements of Haringey’s children and young people in care.

Hosted at the stadium, over 140 children were nominated for awards in categories including: learning achievement; leadership, responsibility and engagement; innovation and aspiration; and community involvement.

During the ceremony, the French midfielder congratulated each young winner before presenting them with gifts to mark their hard work and achievements.

This year’s awards brought extra cause for celebration with Haringey’s looked after children confirmed as the country’s third best GCSE performers compared to those in other local authorities.

Entertaining guests for the evening included performances from local dance groups and music artists, as well as an inspirational film designed to encourage young people in care to be ambitious in their own aspirations.

The event, which is organised by Haringey Council’s Virtual School of Children in Care, is supported by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, which has a proven track record in delivering innovative projects for looked after children.

The Foundation and Haringey Virtual Schools recently launched To Care Is To Do which is a programme that provides a range of support services to help improve educational attainment, increase employability, develop life skills and promote healthy and active lifestyles to looked after children and care leavers within the local community.

Cllr Ann Waters, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the success, hard work and dedication of all the young people nominated for these awards.

“The fantastic performance of Haringey’s looked after children at GCSE level shows the huge amount of potential that exists in this borough. I’m certain that with the support of our excellent foster carers, teachers and others, young people in Haringey will continue to be successful and do the borough proud.”

Grant Cornwell, Chief Executive, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “The young people here tonight should be incredibly proud of their achievements this year.

“At Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, we have the pleasure and privilege of working with a number of the young people nominated for tonight’s awards. We’re committed to delivering opportunities that change lives and know that through the support of Haringey Council, we will provide the looked after children in our community with the network, tools and guidance they need to build a positive, stable future.”