Sport and physical activity in the lives of looked-after children: a ‘hidden group’ in research, policy and practice

Abstract

Looked-after children are arguably one of the most disadvantaged groups in society and constitute a ‘hidden group’ in relation to sport and physical activity research, policy and practice. Research on looked-after children has explored the views of caregivers, practitioners and policy-makers who have often been asked to speak for children on their behalf. Through the use of the mosaic approach and innovative participatory methods, including peer interviewing, the purpose of this paper was to provide an insight into a new area of research in the field of sport and physical activity. As such, it reports on initial findings from a wider project with looked-after children that explores their sport and physical activity experiences. Specifically, it asks the following: (1) What are the sport and physical activity experiences of looked-after children? (2) What meanings and values do looked-after children ascribe to their engagement in sport and physical activity? Findings from the voices of four male looked-after children highlight that these young people used sport as a means to an end; to spend time with friends and develop stocks of social capital. However, due to changes in placement, they also experienced disrupted patterns of engagement coupled with additional institutional constraints that shaped access to sporting activities.

Keywords:

• Participatory methods
• Mosaic approach
• Peer interviewing
• Looked-after children

Notes

1. In the UK, looked-after children predominantly reside in foster care (where a child is cared for by a person or people who are not members of their birth family) or in children's homes (a care home that typically houses older children who may have behavioural issues that need addressing).

2. General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an academic qualification awarded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for those aged 14–16 in a range of disciplines.

3. Virtual Heads are appointed by local authorities and oversee the education of children in care within their authority.

4. Corporate parenting refers to the collective responsibility of all local authority departments and services, and associated agencies, which work together to meet the needs of looked-after children.

5. Westerly Residential Children's Home is a pseudonym, as are the names of the boys.