Children in Care/Looked After Children

There has been growing concern nationally about the attendance and educational achievements of children and young people looked-after by Local Authorities.  Children and young people may be looked-after by the local authority for a variety of reasons.  Most children are looked-after under voluntary arrangements.  A minority are subject to care orders.

Many of the children in care will have been affected by distressing and damaging experiences.  They may be living away from home because of family breakdown, abuse or neglect, or social need.  Nearly all will have to cope with some sense of loss of family, siblings, and friends, of identity or familiar surroundings.  Some will carry guilt feelings and other hidden injuries and many will have very low self-esteem.  All or any of these factors will affect the way these children act.  Many children will also be behind in their education; it is important, therefore, that these disadvantages are not compounded and that early entry into local schools is facilitated.

Schools are of course responsible for a large number of pupils and some children in care may display a range of behavioural and discipline problems. However a good, consistent and caring education can help many children recover from the adversities that have beset them.