Education & Learning at Capricorn Care

At Capricorn Care, education is at the heart of everything we do across all of our homes. In line with our Statement of Purpose and the Education Standard, we are fully committed to ensuring that every young person is supported to access, engage in, and make meaningful progress in their education, training, or employment. We recognise that many of our young people may have experienced disruption in their education prior to living with us, and we work proactively to rebuild confidence, re-establish routines, and promote a positive attitude towards learning.

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Our approach is individualised, aspirational, and restorative. We believe that education is not only about academic attainment, but also about developing life skills, resilience, independence, and a sense of achievement. Staff across Capricorn Care actively promote education through consistent encouragement, structured routines, and by celebrating progress—no matter how small.

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Our Key Principles

• Every young person has the right to a high-quality education that meets their individual needs

• Education is central to improving life chances and future opportunities

• Barriers to education should be identified early and addressed proactively

• Young people should feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to achieve

• Education extends beyond the classroom and includes life skills and personal development

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Individualised Education Planning

Each young person within Capricorn Care has a clear and tailored education plan that is informed by their needs, abilities, and aspirations. We work closely with placing authorities, schools, and other professionals to ensure that plans are realistic, ambitious, and regularly reviewed.

This includes:

• Supporting and contributing to Personal Education Plans (PEPs)

• Working in partnership with Virtual Schools and education providers

• Ensuring all relevant education documentation is up to date and reflective of progress

• Advocating for appropriate school placements or alternative provisions where needed

• Supporting transitions into new schools, colleges, or training opportunities

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Promoting Engagement & Attendance

We understand that engagement in education can be a challenge for some young people, particularly those with previous negative experiences. Across Capricorn Care, we take a patient, consistent, and understanding approach, focusing on building trust and reducing anxiety around education.

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Our staff:

• Maintain clear daily routines that prioritise school attendance

• Provide emotional support before and after school

• Use positive reinforcement and incentives to encourage attendance and effort

• Work closely with schools to address any concerns or barriers

• Support reintegration plans where young people have been out of education

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Creating a Learning Culture in the Home

Education is embedded into daily life across all Capricorn Care homes. We create environments where learning is valued, supported, and encouraged in both formal and informal ways.

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Within our homes, we:

• Provide dedicated spaces for homework and study

• Support young people with homework, coursework, and revision

• Encourage reading, independent learning, and curiosity

• Celebrate achievements, milestones, and progress

• Promote life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and problem-solving

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Multi-Agency Working

In line with our Statement of Purpose, we recognise the importance of strong partnership working to achieve the best educational outcomes. We maintain regular communication with all professionals involved in a young person’s education.

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This includes:

• Schools, colleges, and alternative education providers

• Virtual School Heads and education coordinators

• Social workers and placing authorities

• Special Educational Needs (SEN) services where applicable

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We attend and contribute to all relevant meetings, including PEP reviews and education planning meetings, ensuring that the young person’s voice is central to all decisions.

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Supporting Additional Needs

We recognise that some young people may have additional learning needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, or gaps in learning.

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Across Capricorn Care, we:

• Advocate for appropriate assessments and support

• Implement strategies that support concentration, engagement, and emotional regulation

• Work closely with therapeutic services, including Bmindful, to ensure a joined-up approach

• Adapt our support to meet individual learning styles and needs

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Preparing for the Future

Education within Capricorn Care is closely linked to future planning. We support young people to explore their interests, aspirations, and potential career pathways, helping them to build the skills and confidence needed for adulthood.

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We support young people to:

• Explore further education, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities

• Develop independence and practical life skills

• Build confidence in decision-making and goal setting

• Prepare for transitions into adulthood and independent living

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Celebrating Achievement

We place a strong emphasis on recognising and celebrating progress. Whether it is improved attendance, completing coursework, or achieving qualifications, we ensure that young people feel proud of their achievements.

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This includes:

• Verbal praise and recognition

• Incentives and rewards linked to effort and progress

• Celebrating milestones within the home

• Encouraging young people to reflect on their own growth and success