Reservations raised over government proposals on looked-after children’s education

Four associations representing education and social care leaders
urged the government to “clarify and strengthen” the
role of schools in promoting the education of looked-after children
today, writes Simeon Brody.
 
The group, consisting of the Association of Directors of Social
Services, the Association of Directors of Education and
Children’s Services, the Confederation of Education and
Children’s Services Managers and the Local Government
Association, is concerned that new government proposals do not
place a duty on schools to co-operate in improving the wellbeing of
all children.
 
The four associations, which make the comments in a joint response
to a Department for Education and Skills consultation on a proposed
new local authority duty to promote the education of children in
care, also argue that due to the background and circumstances of
many looked-after children their best education outcome is not
necessarily to achieve the same grade as their peers.
 
While the response broadly welcomes the duty, it suggests further
education institutions should be given more guidance on promoting
care leavers’ achievements.