Previously Looked After Children
The Local Authority has a duty to promote the educational achievement of Previously Looked After Children by providing information and advice to:
- Any person that has parental responsibility for the child
- Providers of funded early years education and Designated Teachers for Previously Looked after Children in maintained schools and academies
- Any other person the authority considers appropriate for promoting the educational achievement of relevant children
The duty relates to previously looked-after children who are in education in the area served by the Virtual School irrespective of where the child lives.
Previously looked-after children are those who:
- Are no longer looked after by a local authority in England and Wales (as defined by the Children Act 1989 or Part 6 of the Social Services and Well- being (Wales) Act 2014) because they are the subject of an adoption, special guardianship or child arrangements order
- Were adopted from 'state care' outside England and Wales. 'State care' is care provided by a public authority, a religious organisation, or any other organisation whose sole or main purpose is to benefit society
Virtual School Heads are not expected to monitor the educational progress of individual children or be held to account for their educational attainment. Any intervention in the education of a previously looked-after child must be with the agreement of the person(s) who have parental responsibility for the child. They, like all parents, are responsible for overseeing their child's progress in education.
Governing bodies now have a duty to designate a member of staff to promote the educational achievement of previously looked after children, including those adopted from 'state care' outside England and. They should have the opportunity to undertake appropriate training and work closely with parents and guardians to ensure the best outcomes for the child, socially, emotionally and educationally.
GOV.UK: Statutory guidance - Designated teacher for looked-after children (opens new window)
This is additional funding given to schools and recognises that children who have spent time in care may need extra support in school as a result of their early experiences. The grant is currently £2,345 per eligible pupil per year and is for students from Reception class up to Year 11. In order to be eligible, students need to have been looked after by an English or Welsh local authority immediately before being adopted.
Parents and guardians must declare their child's adoptive, SGO or CAO status directly to the school before the school completes the October census. They should provide evidence, for example, a copy of the legal order, or a confirmation letter from the local council which placed their child. Parents will not need to declare their child's status again until the child changes school. They are not obliged to declare this information.
Pupil Premium money for previously looked after children goes directly to the school and is not ring-fenced for the individual child. It is good practice for schools to include parents and guardians in discussions around the most effective use of Pupil Premium Plus.
A child may be in an adoptive placement and legally still be in the care of the Local Authority. In these circumstances the child will continue to have Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings to review progress and discuss use of the Pupil Premium. At this stage, the Pupil Premium will be administered through the Virtual School of the Local Authority where the child was taken into care.
Once the order (Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangement) is granted, the statutory PEP meetings will cease. It is often helpful and supportive if there continue to be regular opportunities to share information between home and school. Parents and guardians can request and agree to more informal review meetings with school staff if they feel it is appropriate.
If you require further information or advice email PLAC@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).
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