Looked-After Children (LAC)

Section outline

• Select section Looked-After Children

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  Looked-After Children

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  This brief video outlines key information for schools about looked-after children.

               

         Supporting the Education of Children in Care

  Children Looked After (CLA) face unique challenges that can impact their educational outcomes. 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 and reduce exclusions, recognising that school is a protective factor
  • Improve outcomes and close the attainment gap for CLA

  Click here to access important resources, including:

  • Virtual School Guide to PEPs, Statutory Duties and More
  • The Personal Education Plan (PEP)
  • The PEP Toolkit
  • Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQs)
  • Reach to Teach App
  • Pupil Premium Plus
  • Training Offer
  • A Relational Approach and Attachment Research Community (ARC)
  • Attachment, Trauma, Awareness Settings (ATAS)
  • Education Psychologists Consultations
  • Attendance, Suspensions and Exclusions
  • Admissions
  • Governors
• Select section Responsibilities of Schools and Education Settings

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  Responsibilities of Schools and Education Settings

  • Know and track your CLA cohort
  • Ensure collaboration between key staff (Designated Teacher, DSL, SENDCO, attendance/progress leads, safeguarding governor)
  • Ensure 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 pupil, ensuring pupil voice is at the centre of any decisions made
  • Ensure pupil voice is a common thread throughout the PEP
  • Complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) when required
  • Work in partnership with carers, social workers, and the Virtual School

  
  

  • Select activity Signposting to External Agencies - Areas Covered Include: Safeguarding, Trauma, SEND, Health and Wellbeing Roles and Responsibilities

    

    Signposting to External Agencies - Areas Covered Include: Safeguarding, Trauma, SEND, Health and Wellbeing Roles and Responsibilities File PDF

    

• Select section Virtual School Support

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  Virtual School Support

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

  
  

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

  
  
• Select section Key Documents

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  Key Documents

  • Promoting the education of looked-after children 
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 
  • Working Together to Improve School Attendance 
  • Pupil Premium Plus Overview