Topic outline

  • Looked-After Children

    This brief video outlines key information for parents and carers about looked-after children in our Post 16 Cohort




    Supporting the Education of Children in Care

    Children Looked After (CLA) face unique challenges that can impact their educational outcomes and development. The Virtual School plays a vital role in promoting their achievement and wellbeing across all education settings.

    Key Aims

      • Raise awareness of the barriers faced by CLA and ensure high aspirations across all agencies
      • Support attendance recognising that education is a protective factor
      • Improve outcomes and close the attainment gap for CLA

    Click here to access important resources, including:

     


  • Responsibilities of Schools and Education Settings

      • Know and track your CLA cohort
      • Ensure collaboration between key staff (Designated Teacher/Designated Lead, Key Person, DSL, SENDCO, safeguarding governor/committee member/manager)
      • Ensure the Personal Education Plan (PEP) is completed
      • Understand individual needs and barriers to learning, using available needs analysis tools
      • Prioritise CLA in planning, interventions, and support
      • Build strong relationships with the young person, ensuring child voice is at the centre of any decisions made
      • Ensure child voice is a common thread throughout the PEP
      • Complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) when requested. This is completed for the young person until the age of 17
      • Work in partnership with carers/parents, social workers, and the Virtual School

    • The Role of the Social Worker:

        • Collaborate effectively with education professionals (e.g. Designated Teacher/Designated Lead, SENCo, DSL, Key Person) to ensure joined-up support
        • Organise and lead the initial PEP when a child comes into care, or starts at a new education setting
        • Ensure completion of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) up to the age of 17
        • Ensure the Virtual School are aware of any changes to education setting in a timely manner, pro-actively seeking advice when needed
        • Prioritise relationships - build trust with the child and their carers/parents, and ensure their voices are central to planning and decision-making
        • Share information proactively to support education planning, including personal education plans (PEPs)
        • Advocate for high aspirations - ensure education is part of every conversation about the young person’s future

       


      • Virtual School Support

          • Strengthening partnerships between education settings and social care
          • Training and development for education staff
          • Targeted, data-informed projects
          • Advice, guidance, and free resources, including needs analysis tools

         

        Note: The Virtual School does not replace the role of the school/setting or social worker in direct support or intervention but works strategically to improve outcomes for CLA.


        Funding:

        Post-16 Bursaries for Children Looked After (CLA) in England

         

        Children Looked After (CLA) aged 16 to 19 in England are eligible for financial support through the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, specifically under the vulnerable groups category. This bursary provides up to £1,200 per academic year, helping to cover essential education-related costs such as travel, meals, books, equipment, and specialist clothing. The funding is paid directly to the student or used in-kind by the institution to meet their needs.

        Eligibility includes being in care, a care leaver, or receiving certain benefits in their own right. Institutions are required to assess each student's actual financial needs rather than applying a flat rate.

        Local authorities, Virtual School Heads, and education providers play a key role in identifying eligible students and ensuring they receive the support needed to succeed in further education.

        16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide: 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK


        • Key Documents