By working together with schools and colleges DTs ensure that children we look after (CLA) have quality PEPs. The PEP meeting sets out plans for the child's education and future aspirations and enables all professionals to understand and plan what support is needed to achieve this.
Under the Children and Young Persons Act 2008, schools are required to appoint a Designated Teacher, to support the learning of Children We Look After (CWLA) and manage the process of how the school works with the Virtual School and social workers to promote the child's education.
The Designated Teacher should:
- help school staff to understand things that affect the way Children We Look After learn and achieve, and to advise staff about teaching strategies.
- promote high expectations and aspirations for Children We Look After.
- record attainment and progress and ensure that this is tracked on the PEP.
- ensure the child has a voice in setting targets and throughout the document.
- ensure that carers understand the importance of supporting learning at home.
- have the lead responsibility for the child's Personal Education Plan (PEP) at school.
- help Children We Look After to make a smooth transition if they change schools.
- manage the way school engages with others (e.g. social workers, Virtual School) focusing on the way everyone contributes to the child's educational achievement.
- ensure relevant school policies and expectations are shared with SW and carers.
DfE Guidance for DTs:
This guidance follows the statutory guidance from the DfE, issued under sections 20(4) and 20A(4) of the Children and Young Persons Act 2008 The designated teacher (DT) at school must be aware of the guidance when promoting the educational attainment of looked-after and previously looked-after children.
Previously Looked After Child (PLAC):
A previously looked-after child (PLAC) is a child who was in care to an English or Welsh local authority at the point at which they were adopted, made subject to a Special Guardianship Order (SGO), or a Child Arrangements Order (previously Residency Order).
Why do schools need a Designated Teacher?
We know that Children We Look After may have had disrupted learning and may have missed extended periods of school. Many Children We Look After also have special educational needs (SEN). Their gaps in learning and the emotional impact of their experiences may lead to significant barriers to making progress. The data for children we look after & PLAC shows that they do not perform as well at Key Stage 2 and GCSE level when compared to children who have not been looked after. The designated teacher's role is statutory to help ensure that effective practice becomes universal.
Key responsibilities of a designated teacher:
- Championing looked after children's education - Acting as the primary point of contact for looked after children within the school, ensuring their educational needs are prioritized and addressed.
- Regular progress monitoring - Closely tracking the academic and personal progress of looked after children, identifying any barriers to learning and implementing appropriate interventions.
- Communication with care providers - Maintaining contact with social workers and care providers to stay informed about the children's circumstances and ensure smooth transition between home and school.
- Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Overseeing the development and implementation of individual education plans tailored to each looked after child's specific needs.
- Staff training - Raising awareness among other teachers about the unique challenges faced by looked after children and providing training on how to best support them.
- Reporting to governing bodies - Regularly informing school leadership and governing bodies about the progress and challenges of looked after children within the school.
Share this page
