What we do Overview Overview We believe every child deserves the chance to thrive and to look forward to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling adult life. When young people are offered the right support, family problems and disadvantage need not continue through the generations. What we do Reedham Children’s Trust provides support for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and has done so for nearly 180 years. We adapt our services as social needs change, always seeking the most innovative and effective ways to help. Collaborating with grassroots organisations and schools we offer practical, emotional and inspirational support, helping to raise aspirations and transform the lives of vulnerable children. How we help Reedham Children’s Trust provide targeted early-intervention support to vulnerable children and young people who are failing to access or thrive in school. We provide practical and motivational support services delivered to children, young people and their families through schools and communities, thereby reducing the obstacles faced by vulnerable children and young people in accessing educational opportunity, enabling them to gain the education, stability, resilience, skills and self-belief to fulfil their potential. Who we are helping We specifically work with vulnerable children and young people in Croydon. The needs of vulnerable children and young people in Croydon 36% of young people in Croydon are growing up in poverty; up to 46% of them are eligible for the deprivation Pupil Premium. They are further disadvantaged by issues such as domestic violence; poor mental health; special educational needs; and placement in care. These multiple deprivations prevent them from accessing education and building the resilience, skills and confidence they need to fulfil their potential. They will earn less during their careers and lead shorter lives. Persistent absenteeism is higher in Croydon than in any other outer London borough and disadvantaged children show Year 11 Level 8 scores at just 38.7% versus 49.5% for other children (2018). School attendance is the most important predictor of exploitation and violence; 83% of young people arrested for knife possession are persistently absent. Croydon has the highest levels of serious knife crime in all London boroughs. Covid has exacerbated the problems young people face. 16% of young people now have a mental health disorder; increased from 10.8% in 2017 (Govt. 2020) and lack of disposable income means that children living in poverty have little or no access to enrichment activities. Croydon has the highest number of Looked After Children and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children compared to any other London borough. English as an Additional Language (EAL) has been reported as high as 46% of children in schools we have worked with. Please see the drop-down menu ‘our services’ for more details on active projects.