CHILDREN IN CARE MUST BE ABLE TO FULFIL POTENTIAL

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd Aug 2006

Commenting on the survey published today by Barnardo's showing that the education system is still failing children in care, Liberal Democrat Sam Potts said:

"It is extremely disappointing that the Government continues to miss its own very modest target for educational achievement among children in care.

"It is the measure of a society how it treats its most vulnerable, and Britain continues to fail these vulnerable children.

"Closing the gap in academic attainment between the disadvantaged and the better off should be a top priority.

"It is vital that these youngsters get good qualifications so they can lift themselves out of the cycle of underachievement. Resources need to be focused on these young people to help them defy the statistics and fulfil their potential."

ENDS