Education support for looked after children

•  As corporate parents, Bedfordshire recognises the importance of prioritising better educational outcomes for Looked After Children. A range of services are therefore provided by Bedfordshire County Council to support those children for whom it is the corporate parent.
• Bedfordshire County Council has implemented the recommendations of:-
  • The Social Education Unit Report "A Better Education for Children in Care" and "Guidance on the Education of Young People in Public Care"
• The primary responsibility for educating young people who are 'Looked After' is the school.
• Every Bedfordshire School has a designated teacher for Looked After Children.
• Most Bedfordshire schools also have a designated governor for Looked After Children. Their role is to advocate on behalf of young people who are Looked After in the school. They should also have an overview of what the school is doing to support Looked After Children.
• Every eligible Bedfordshire Looked After Child has a Personal Education Plan. These are reviewed on a six monthly basis. The administration of Personal Education Plans is dealt with by the PEP/LAC co-ordinator.
• The Quality Assurance aspect of Personal Education Plans is overseen by the Senior Educational Psychologist for Looked After Children.

How is education support accessed?

An open referral system is available to child care social workers, foster carers, support social workers and Bedfordshire schools.

What kind of support is available?

The two specialist psychologists for Looked After Children provide formal and informal advice on education issues to schools, carers and social workers. In cases where Looked After Children are at high risk of exclusion, time limited in school support may also be available.

This is a finite resource and therefore decisions about support are made following discussion with professionals about what support the school already has in place and what additional support may be available at the time a referral is received.

The two Learning Mentors support young people in our 4 main residential children's home. They also work with Year 11 students.

What if a Bedfordshire ' Looked After' Young Person is placed out of County?

Specialist Educational Psychologist input is available for young people placed in other authorities. The referral process for Bedfordshire Looked After Children placed in other authorities is the same as for children placed in County.

Can a young person refer themselves?

Yes, any young person who feels they need help and advice about their education can contact Hilary (Waddington) to discuss their education.

For further information about educational support please contact:

Hilary Waddington
Senior Educational Psychologist for Looked After Children.
County Hall
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
Tel: (01234) 228693
Fax: (01234) 228980
Email: hilary.waddington@bedscc.gov.uk|

Other sources of information:

Satellite Virtual Schools

Assessment and Monitoring Team|