Here at Staffordshire University we're committed to supporting students who come from a care background and students without the support of a family network. If you're estranged or a care leaver and you're considering coming to Staffordshire University or you already are a student here, we'll provide you with a package of support that'll help you throughout your time at University.
We have signed up to the Stand Alone Pledge, to publicly declare our support for estranged students.
There are many complex challenges that we as a University recognise you may be facing which may be different from other students. Commencing a course at University is both an exciting and stimulating experience, but can also be a time of anxiety and confusion. We can offer ongoing support and impartial advice, and can signpost you to other University and external support services in order to meet your needs during this time.
We can guide you through the UCAS application process and know exactly who to contact at the University if you need advice on finance, accommodation, learning or disability support. With your consent, we can also work alongside your Leaving Care Team to introduce you to University life and what to expect during those first few weeks on campus.
Staffordshire University will know that you are a care leaver if you have ticked the box on the UCAS form to disclose that you have been in care. If you are an estranged student, you will need to show the University your confirmation from student finance that you are estranged, alternatively you can set up a “consent to share” with student finance so that a member of staff can call student finance to confirm your estrangement.
You can be confident that you will be treated as an individual and empowered to participate fully and successfully within University life.
You can access dedicated support by emailing student-inclusion@staffs.ac.uk.