Education for Looked After Children  Children who are in the care of local authorities are described as looked after children. They are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, with many having suffered abuse or neglect.
Looked after children have a right to expect the outcomes we want for every child, that they should be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution to society and achieve economic well being.
Personal education plans
All looked after children must have a personal education plan, which we are responsible for putting in place. The personal education plan is agreed by the social worker with the involvement of the child or young person they are supporting, the designated teacher and the parent or carer. The plan makes sure that educational services can be accessed, that any special needs are addressed and helps to minimise disruption to schooling. Clear goals are set, which allows for monitoring and evaluation.
Our services
We assist
- Schools
- Social workers
- Residential social workers
- Connexions
- Youth services
- Health workers
to support looked after children in mainstream and special schools. This includes advising on
- Activities, e.g. sport to help motivate and re-engage children
- Creating support packages
- Maintaining school placements
- Training
- Preparing and completing the personal education plan
- Integration into mainstream education
- Movement of children across local authorities
- Lists of designated teachers
Useful resources
Find out more about our legal responsibilities towards promoting the educational achievement of looked after children from the  Every Child Matters website.
More detailed information about our work with looked after children can be found in our children and families section.
Contact us
Moira Leydon
Advisory teacher, children looked after
Tel: 020 7525 2848
Fax: 020 7525 2883
csc@southwark.gov.uk
1 Bradenham Close
London
SE17 2QA
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm |