One Minute with Frazier Stroud, Senior Virtual School Caseworker

How long have you worked for BELS?

Since 2018

Tell us a bit about your role

My role is to support looked-after children and care leavers in year 12 and 13 stay in or get into education work or training. This can involve direct work with the young people, organising professionals meetings, and supporting colleges/schools to better understand and support care experienced young people.

What is our favourite thing about your role?

The direct work with young people and seeing them succeed and flourish in spite of the obstacles they have had to surmount in their lives.

What do you find challenging?

Having to balance advocating for young people with maintaining long term relationships with educational providers which can mean difficult compromise.

Which of our BELS values resonate mostly with you, and why?

Empathy is our strength. Empathy is key to everything we do in the virtual school. Empathy for those who are most vulnerable is what enables our young people to achieve and succeed in life.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of work?

I love to box although just for fitness as I don’t have the guts to get punched in the face. I also love going to gigs and learning Spanish

Where’s your favourite place to holiday and why?

Newport Pembrokeshire in Wales. Beautiful beach, lovely pubs and not yet entirely overrun by tourists like me!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Play guitar but I’m too lazy