Kinship Local Offer

Childcare 

From the age of 2 years, children previously looked after children are entitled to up to 15 free nursery hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, from the term after their second birthday:

• eligibility: For children who were previously in care of the local authority
• access is through the Southwark Family Information Service
• email: family.info@southwark.gov.uk
• call 0800 013 0639 

Higher Education

The Higher Government Bursary for Students in Vulnerable Groups is for young people who need financial support to stay on in further education or training.  The bursary can cover things like meals, books and transportation: 

• eligibility: For 16- to 19-year-olds who were previously in care of the local authority
• apply through the school, college or training provider 

Pupil Premium Plus (PP+)

£2,570 per child is paid directly to schools for a variety of support to be chosen with the school-designated teacher:   

• eligibility: 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.
• evidence is provided by the Special Guardian and Connected Carers Team.
• email:  sgoconnectedpersons@southwark.gov.uk
• call 020 7525 1762 

For more information about the PP+ email virtualschool@southwark.gov.uk

School admissions  

Children who have previously been in care 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: 

• eligibility: For Formerly Looked After Children and those in formal kinship care arrangements
• access is through the Southwark Schools Admissions Team
• email schools.admissions@southwark.gov.uk
• call 020 7525 5337 

Virtual School Head  

Provide information, support and guidance on a wide variety of issues to all kinship carers.  In complex situations school assistance can be given on an advisory basis.   

• eligibility:  All kinship children
• email the Virtual School virtualschool@southwark.gov.uk

Designated Teachers  

Help kinship carers to participate in discussions about their child’s support needs and strategies to meet identified needs, including how Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) can be used to support their child.  They can also provide an induction for children starting school or new to a school 

• eligibility:  For children who were previously in care of the local authority
• email the Virtual School virtualschool@southwark.gov.uk