Media Statement: New ‘Take Care’ Toolkit Launched to Support Care-Experienced Students in Schools

EPIC, Empowering People in Care, has launched Take Care, a new toolkit designed with and for care-experienced young people to help schools create more inclusive, supportive environments. This resource, which was funded by Tusla Education Support Service (TESS), provides educators with practical steps to ensure these students receive the support they need to thrive.

Take Care provides principals, teachers, and school staff with the knowledge and tools to help care-experienced students reach their full potential. Developed by young people aged 14 to 26 – including those currently in care, in aftercare, or with experience of the care system – this toolkit offers invaluable insights and practical steps to break down barriers in education.

Andrea Reilly, EPIC Youth Council member and project contributor, said: “Care-experienced children and young people already have so much to deal with outside of school and this can make it hard to stay in education. We need teachers who understand that and can be flexible, patient and kind. That’s what Take Care is all about – helping schools build that support and understanding.”

Tara Madden, Education Project Manager at EPIC, said: “Schools can be a place of stability, community and encouragement for children in care. This toolkit provides educators with real recommendations from care-experienced young people to help every member of the school community make a difference.”

Take Care was developed with publisher Kids’ Own and includes clear and actionable steps for schools, including:

• Becoming care-aware: Training to understand the care system and provide trauma-informed support.
• Creating an inclusive environment: Ensuring flexibility and a welcoming space for care-experienced students.
• Prioritising wellbeing: Providing tailored mental health and emotional support.
• Building trust: Fostering strong, supportive relationships between students and staff.
• Sensitivity in the classroom: Responding to the unique needs of care-experienced learners.

Áine O’Keeffe, Director, TESS, said: “The Take Care toolkit is an invaluable resource providing schools the opportunity to learn from young people with care experience on how to best provide a safe, supportive and nurturing community for care-experienced students. TESS believes that all children and young people thrive in school environments that can respond to their needs, support them in their challenges, and prioritise their emotional wellbeing.”

Change begins with awareness, and Take Care is an important step toward ensuring care-experienced young people receive the understanding and support they deserve. By listening to their voices, schools and teachers can create lasting, positive impact.