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The following guide describes the current developments and
publications which schools and teachers can draw on for advice and
information about Looked After Children. It also offers a growing
support network which children themselves can be helped to
access.
Education whilst in care
It's estimated that around 60,000 young people are currently
living in public care in residential and foster homes, separated
from their families. These children need schools to be a channel of
vital support in their lives. The following guide describes some of
the current developments and publications which schools and
teachers can draw on for advice and information, and also the
growing support network which children themselves can be helped to
access.
Children in care (Looked After Children) do not perform as well
educationally as those who grow up in their own homes or with
adoptive families. [See also
Adoption] Many
have their education disrupted, or fall behind. Young people who
have been in care are hugely over-represented among rough sleepers,
prisoners and runaways. The good news is that their educational
attainment has been recognised as a source of major concern and
that many initiatives are in place to address the issue.
Kent County Council is working very hard to tackle the issue of
educational underachievement among children in care and believes it
is very important to have high expectations and aspirations of
these young people.
Education protects
The Education Protects programme was launched in June 2000 to
support and further improve the educational attainment of children
in public care. It is jointly funded by the Department of Health
and the Department for Education and Skills (the two departments
issued joint guidance in May 2000).
See the Education Protects website (link opens in new
window) for more information on the programme, including details of
regional contacts, network meetings, news and events. There is a
discussion forum as well as good practice examples from local
authorities.
Social exclusion unit (SEU) and young people in care
May 2003 saw the launch of the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU)
practice guide:
A Better Education for Children in Care: The Issues to support
local authorities as they take action to improve the education of
children in care.
Visitors to the
SEU's website (link opens in new window) can
also read about the unit's work with young people in care and
find out about the new targets for children in care.
There are also links to seven fact sheets published by the SEU
covering the following areas:
- access to out-of-school activities
- access to school
- early years
- health
- post-16
- support in education
- support at home.
National service framework (NSF) for children, young people and
maternity services
The children's NSF sets standards for health and social services
for children, young people and pregnant women. Visit
NSF for children, young people and maternity
services webpage (link opens in new window).
Taking part project
Funded by the Department of Health and Department for Education
& Skills, developed and managed by ContinYou, the Taking Part
project aims to raise the achievement of 'looked after children'
and of good corporate parenting. It has been used as a strong
example of Every Child Matters in practice. Visit the
DCSF: Study Support section (link opens in new
window) where you can find out about the Taking Part project.
Young minds
Support and information for professionals working with 'looked
after children' and young people on issues relating to emotional
well-being and mental health. Visit the
Young
Minds webpage (link opens in new window).
Books for Caring
A selection of
books specifically for 'Looked After Children', most of these
books are available in local libraries. |