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The next government should pledge to close the gap in educational achievement between looked-after children and other pupils by 2020, says children's charity NCH.

In a paper published last week, the charity called for financial incentives for councils that meet the educational needs of looked-after children and sanctions for those that do not.

It says councils should perform their duties as corporate parents as seriously as any other parent, ensuring looked-after children have access to educational resources out of school and providing financial incentives to schools which admit children in care.

The charity urges social workers to develop a better understanding of the positive impact of education and foster carers should be trained in supporting children's achievement.

In 2004, only 6 per cent of children in care gained five or more GCSEs, compared with more than half of all pupils, according to official figures.

• Close the Gap at www.mental health.org.uk/html/content/Election_release_April_05.pdf