Meeting the Needs of Looked After Children

The hope of any parent is that their child will enjoy their years in school, that they will be supported appropriately in their education and they will achieve their full potential.

Success in education also provides the child with the best opportunity to gain confidence and skills throughout childhood and therefore assists them in achieving their potential in all aspects of their adult life.

For children in residential and foster care, these aspirations are equally important.
 
A robust body of research has highlighted the poor educational achievements of Looked After Children. The reasons for this are many and complex. For some children it can be simply too difficult to concentrate on school while so much is happening or has happened in their lives.

There is now some experience which reinforces the importance of Looked After Children striving for educational achievement, and being challenged and supported to meet their full individual potential. Improved interagency communication, collaboration across education and health and social services at all levels will contribute to a greater understanding of the needs of Looked After Children and ultimately to their success.

Promoting improved educational achievements for group of children has been identified as a priority for action within the Western Area and to this end the Western Education and Library Board and the Western Trust developed agreed and formally adopted a Joint Protocol which includes policies, procedures and practices which are consistent with our statutory responsibilities and aim to improve joined up practice in support of these children's educational needs.

The Pupil Personal Development Services Team works in partnership with other lead agencies, through involvement in Children Services Planning and work with LACE and VOYPIC, to help achieve improvement in outcomes for Looked After Children.