Continue to support fostering for looked after children in compulsory education
Change fostering regulations so children remain fully supported until the end of year 13. We think current arrangements can force independence on their 18th birthday, and that children born early in the academic year are disadvantaged & discriminated against compared to peers born later in the year.
Signatures
185
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 185/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 185/100,000
- 28 JAN 2026Petition closedFinal total: 185 signatures
- 28 JUL 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
For foster children in year 13 born early in the academic year, current regulations mean they face a change of legal status while still in education, and a loss of some allowances for which they may need to claim benefits. This can lead to stress & anxiety at a crucial point in education, potentially impacting on their ability to achieve.
We believe the system is flawed, and that these kids are discriminated against on the grounds of age.