Celebrating the educational achievements of Haringey’s children in care

The Club and its Foundation once again hosted a night to remember for Haringey’s children in care.

The 20th annual Education Achievement Awards took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday, in partnership with Haringey Virtual School for looked after young people.

This year, there were over 100 11-16 year olds nominated by their social workers, teachers, foster carers and key workers for awards ranging across categories such as community involvement, leadership and responsibility, and outstanding academic achievement.

These were presented by Club Ambassador Ledley King and Mayor of Haringey Cllr Sue Jameson, in between magic, dance, poetry and other forms of entertainment.

The event was hosted by three former participants in the Foundation’s To Care Is To Do programme that aims to improve educational attainment, increase employability, develop life skills and promote healthy and active lifestyles among local children in care.

Daniel Edwards recalled winning an award at a previous ceremony and explained why it was so important to return for the landmark 20th staging.

"I’m now 23, I’ve recently left care and I’m a paid professional working for Haringey Council in its children’s services. The reason I’ve come today is to say ‘Don’t think that because you’re in care your options are finished. Life goes on, the whole world is open to you and you can make something of yourself’."

To Care Is To Do helped instil this attitude in Daniel. He was part of the programme throughout his secondary school years and looks back fondly on cooking classes, a first trip to the theatre and residential trips.

“I had a preconceived notion of what it was like to be in care before I wound up in care myself. To Care Is To Do showed me everyone was just like me and it was nice to see. The staff didn’t make you feel like you were in care.

“Everyone I’ve come across in care has been supportive and professional, from Tottenham Hotspur Foundation to Haringey Virtual School and others, they want to help you. I feel there are a lot of opportunities out there. You just have to take them.”

Children in care are statistically less likely than their peers to achieve top grades in school and research from last year showed care leavers are over 10 times more likely than their peers not to be in education, employment or training at the age of 21.

At the end of March, the number of children looked after by local authorities in England was 83,630, with around 330 in Haringey.

Ledley said: "It was a privilege to be here tonight to celebrate the fantastic achievements of children in care across Haringey."

Malik Yansaneh, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation youth participation coordinator, added: "Partnering with Haringey Virtual School to help make crucial interventions for children in care for many years now, we’re well aware of the difference encouraging and rewarding academic endeavour can make, and always look forward to this event."

Eghele Eyituoyo, Haringey Virtual School head, said: "It’s been an amazing night. It’s great to see our young people being celebrated and this shows what a real strength there is to our partnership with the Foundation. We’re proud to be part of it."