Young people in Hertfordshire who are in care – or who are care leavers –  are 10 times more likely to not be in education, employment or training, according to data published by the county council.

According to the data, at the end of March this year 2.76 per cent of 16-18 year-olds across the county were not in education, employment or training - referred to as NEET.

But for those 16-18 year-olds who are in care or who are care leavers that NEET rate was 10.3 times higher – at 28.49 per cent.

The data also reveals that at the end of March, 10.5 per cent of 16-18 year-olds with special educational needs or learning disabilities were NEET.

Of those, 16-18 year-olds classed as ‘youth offenders’, 25.37 per cent were said to be NEET at the end of March.

The data is included in a report that will be presented to the county council’s education, libraries and lifelong learning cabinet panel on Tuesday (June 18).

Commenting on the data, the report states: “The Not in Education, Employment and Training (NEET) rate overall remains strong for 16-18 year-olds with strong performance compared to statistical neighbours and nationally.

“However, there is continued pressure on vulnerable cohorts and this remains a key are of focus for Services for Young People.

“From April 2024 the new NEET support programme will be called Employment Pathways.

“This project is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), lasting for 12 months in certain locations.

“The project works with young people aged 16-24. It provides support for 250 young people who are NEET & ‘furthest’ from the workplace, brokering them into appropriate & sustained EET outcomes.”

Meanwhile, it also highlights that 60 young people with SEND will be supported by a supported employment broker, which will find appropriate work experience places.