Fostering and education

All children should be supported to reach their full potential throughout their time in education. However, the educational achievement of care experienced young people remains lower than their peers.

The Children Act 1989 (as amended by the Children Act 2004), places a duty on local authorities to promote the educational requirements of 'looked after children', including those placed out-of-authority. The local authority should promote the child’s educational aspirations and support their educational achievements.

Ensuring stability in Education

When a child or young person of school age comes into care, the local authority should do everything possible to minimise any disruption to their education and consider their views.

If a child is in Key Stage 4 (year 10 or 11) everything possible should be done to maintain the child in the existing school, except in exceptional circumstances. Where it is not possible to maintain an existing educational placement, the care placement should be made at the same time as a new educational placement, unless the child is at serious risk. If a placement is made in an emergency, then a new educational placement should be made within 20 school days.

The role of Virtual School Heads (VSH)

The Children and Families Act 2014 included a provision which required Local Authorities to appoint at least one person who is tasked with promoting the educational achievement of all the children 'looked after' by the local authority they work for, including children placed out of authority. They are known as the Virtual School Head (VSH).

From September 2021 the role was extended to include children with a social worker, and from September 2024, VSHs will also be responsible for children living in Kinship Care arrangements. For more information on the recent extensions to the VSH role, see here.

School admissions

Care experienced children and young people are regarded as one of the most vulnerable groups of children in society. As such, it is of paramount importance that a school place is found that meets the child’s educational needs as soon as possible. All schools must have oversubscription criteria for each ‘relevant age group’ and the highest priority must be given (unless otherwise stated) to 'looked after children', as per section 1.7 of the Schools Admission Code.

The social worker involved with the child should consult with the VSH on an appropriate education placement.