All agencies
working with looked after children in North Lincolnshire are committed to
working together. They make sure the educational needs of the children
are a priority.
Looked
after children have a right to expect the same outcomes we all want for every
child. They should be:
- healthy
- stay
safe
- enjoy
and achieve
- make
a positive contribution to society
- achieve
economic well-being
Local councils
are the 'corporate parents' of looked after children. They should demonstrate
the strongest commitment to helping every child they look after to achieve
these five outcomes.
The looked
after child should achieve the highest educational standards they possibly
can wherever they are placed.
The looked
after child’s aspirations will be supported so they can achieve in further
and higher education.
(Taken
from the DfES Statutory guidance: Duty on local authorities to promote
the educational achievement of looked after children 2005).
The council
aims to ensure that:
- All looked
after children receive appropriate full time education (in a local mainstream
school where possible)
- All looked
after children have access to the educational opportunities available to
other children, including early years provision
- Looked
after children have continuity in placement and education
- Prompt
action is taken to provide any additional intervention required
- Looked
after children’s views are taken into account in any decisions that affect
their lives
- Appropriate
training is provided for all those involved in the education of looked
after children
- The achievements
of looked after children are celebrated
- Looked
after children have access to other services which will promote their educational
achievement
These procedures
apply to everyone who is involved with looked after children, including
- Children's
Social Services
- Education,
Learning and Achievement
- Voluntary,
independent and private day care settings
- Foster
carers
- Governors,
headteachers, teachers and teaching assistants
- Parents
- Education
welfare officers
- Health
workers
- Children's
Trust
- Connexions
- Advocates
- The Voluntary
Sector
Looked after
children are entitled to:
- A copy
of their Education Plan
- Information
on where they can get support and advice
- Assurance
of confidentiality
- Equal
respect at school and home
- Appropriate
educational support in school and home
- High
expectations from adults
- Opportunities
to influence decisions about their education
- Opportunities
to take part in extra curricular school activities
- A clear
explanation of the roles and responsibilities of professionals involved