Training for those Involved in the Care and Education of Looked After Children

This chapter applies to all Children Looked After. It should be read in conjunction with the government guidance documents and related chapters.

Note that different provisions apply to children who acquire Looked After status as a result of a remand to local authority accommodation or Youth Detention Accommodation. In relation to those children, please see Remands to Local Authority Accommodation or to Youth Detention Accommodation Procedure, Care Planning for Young People on Remand.

RELEVANT GUIDANCE

DfE, Promoting the Education of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children

DfE and DHSC, Special educational needs and disability code of practice 0 to 25 years- Statutory guidance for organisations who work with and support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (2015)

RELATED CHAPTER

The Virtual School Procedure

AMENDMENT

This chapter was revised in June 2020.

The VSH and Virtual School has a role in ensuring that there are appropriate arrangements in place to meet the training needs of those responsible for promoting the educational achievement of Children Looked After. This includes carers, social workers, Designated Teachers and other school staff and IROs.

A range of training opportunities will be planned to support the professionals and carers in their understanding of Children Looked After in relation to their education and overall development. Training will include practical advice and guidance, as well as opportunities to consider theory and research relevant to CLA. Training and development will include the following aspects:

  • School admission arrangements;
  • Special Educational Needs (SEND Reforms / Education and Health Care Plans, speech, language and communication needs);
  • Attendance and exclusions;
  • Educational assessment / targets;
  • Personal Education Planning (PEPs);
  • Role of designated teacher;
  • Pupil Premium for CLA;
  • Understanding the CLA experience – pupil voice and participation;
  • Understanding the impact of trauma / neglect / attachment on CLA;
  • Developing creative and therapeutic support for CLA in school settings;
  • Supporting and Preparing CLA for post 16 choices and progression and raising aspirations.

Where possible the Virtual School will work in partnership with representatives of CLA from MADE and MADE Junior groups to plan and deliver aspects of the training and development.

Training and development will also be provided for school governors, designated teachers and senior leaders in schools and colleges.

Members of the Virtual School Governing Board and the Corporate Parenting Board are also able to access training and development opportunities.

Training and development opportunities will be shared via email communication throughout the year. If there are specific aspects of training you are interested in contact the Virtual School Team for further details.