Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Education of Children Looked After

What happens to children who become looked after in terms of their education?

Will the child or young person have to change schools?
We will try to make sure that the child or young person can continue going to their own school. However, if their Plan indicates they may not return home, they may have to change school. One reason for this might be if it meant they would have to travel a long distance from where they live to get to school. All young people are expected to go to school and if for some reason, they are not in school, their carer and Social Worker will need to discuss their education with them and with the Education Department.

Will they have to leave school at 16?
They don't have to leave school at 16 just because they are looked after. If they enjoy school its worth thinking about staying on to take extra exams, further training, going to college or university. We will help the child or young person as much as we can.

Who will let school know that they have moved?
We will. We will send a letter to let the school know that the child or young person is being looked after and where they are living. Attached will be a document called Personal Education Plan (PEP). The social worker will have filled in the front section of this document, which covers who should be contacted in an emergency, who is not allowed to have contact with the child or young person, who will sign their homework book and see that their homework is completed and general things like that.

The social worker and teacher will then meet and discuss with the child or young person the other parts of the PEP that looks at their educational achievements and what support is needed to help them achieve their full potential. There is a section in the PEP that asks things like "What do you like about school?", "Are there lessons you would like more help with and what are they?"

This will help us to help the child or young person make the most of the educational opportunities available. The PEP will be reviewed every six months.