Kinship Local Offer
Our Kinship Local Offer sets out how we will help kinship carers, to give children and young people the best possible family experience whatever the child’s legal status, needs and circumstances.
Support with a child’s education
Schools have a responsibility towards children and young people in kinship care and should provide the following support.
Designated teachers
The Department for Education specifies that schools should have a designated teacher for looked-after and previously looked-after children. It is their role and responsibility to promote the educational achievement of those children.
Specialist support from the virtual school
Every local authority in England has a virtual school with a virtual headteacher. It is not a physical school, it is a service to promote the educational achievement of:
- looked-after children
- previously looked-after children
- children in kinship care
The virtual school gives information and advice to parents and schools about the needs and educational progress of children who are, or have been, in the care of children’s services.
As a kinship carer with a special guardianship or child arrangements order, you can go directly to the virtual school. With your agreement, the designated teacher may also seek the advice of the virtual school about meeting the needs of your child.
To find out more about our virtual school and your schools designated teacher email virtualschool@southwark.gov.uk
Special educational needs
If your kinship child has special needs then our SEND local offer is a valuable resource for up-to-date information on opportunities and services.
- visit the SEND local offer page for more details
Funding for disadvantaged pupils
£2,570 per child is paid directly to schools for support chosen with the school-designated teacher. This funding is for children who were previously in care of the local authority. Carers must inform the school with evidence that they are caring for a kinship child who was previously in care. The special guardian and connected carers team can provide you with evidence.
You can contact our team by:
- email on sgoconnectedpersons@southwark.gov.uk
- calling 020 7525 1762
For more information about the PP+ email virtualschool@southwark.gov.uk
School admissions
Children who have previously been in care of the local authority are given top priority in school admissions and should be placed in good or outstanding schools.
Children formerly looked after and those in formal kinship care arrangements can secure a place through the Fair Access Protocol for vulnerable children.
To find out more about a place for a child:
- email schools.admissions@southwark.gov.uk
- call 020 7525 5337
Higher education
The Higher Government Bursary for students in vulnerable groups is for young people who need financial support to stay in further education or training. The bursary can cover things like:
- meals
- books
- transportation
Kinship children aged 16 – 19 years, who were previously in care of the local authority are eligible.
You can apply through your chosen school, college or training provider.
Southwark local offer for children with special educational needs (SEND) is a valuable resource for up-to-date information on SEND opportunities and services. For more details visit the SEND local offer page.