Publication of the statistical bulletin ‘Children in Care in Northern Ireland 2021-22’

The Department of Health has today published the ‘Children in Care in Northern Ireland 2021-22 Statistical Bulletin’. This bulletin presents information on children and young people who had been looked after continuously for at least 12 months at 30 September 2022. It details information on their placement and placement changes, health assessments and disability, Special Educational Needs, school attendance and GCSE educational achievements of these young people.

Some children in care will excel educationally, however in general, children in care in Northern Ireland continue to underperform compared to the general school population. Although there are many issues that can influence a child’s schooling, it is worth noting that a substantially higher proportion of children in care have special educational needs which may affect the educational attainment gap between them and the general school population.

• At 30 September 2022, 2,867 children and young people had been in care continuously for 12 months or longer;
• Of these, just over one sixth (16%) had experienced a placement change during the previous 12 months, which is similar to the previous two years;
• Having a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) continues to be more prevalent among the children in care of school age (27%) compared with the general school population (6%)[1];
• Some 4% of school aged children and young people in care had full attendance through the 2021/22 school year, while 19% missed 25 or more school days for any reason (authorised or unauthorised absence); and
• Some 92% of young people in care for twelve months or longer and who were in Year 12 attained five or more GCSE at grades A* to G. Although not directly comparable, 97% of the general school leaver population (Year 12 – Year 14) attained five or more GCSE at grades A* to G [2]. The equivalent figures for those achieving five GCSE at grades A* to C were 78% and 92% respectively.

Notes to editors: 

1. This publication is available on line at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/looked-after-children.
2. About the data:
   The source of the data contained in this release is the Department of Health OC2 statistical return, collected from Health and Social Care Trusts as well as the Department of Education School Census information.
3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DoH.
   Further information is available from: 
   Community Information Branch
   Department of Health
   Room 11, Annexe 2,
   Castle Buildings,
   Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP
   Tel:                                   (028) 90 522580
   E-mail:                              cib@health-ni.gov.uk
   Internet:                            https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/topics/dhssps-statistics-and-        research/childrens-services-statistics
4. Media queries should be directed to DoH Press Office on 028 9052 0567. Out of office hours, contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699745440 and your call will be returned.
5. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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