Calls for schools to take wider role

Local government and voluntary sector representatives are to explore ways to encourage schools to take their corporate parenting responsibilities more seriously.

The Local Government Association plans to bring key stakeholders together to draw up a policy document to inform the delayed looked-after children green paper.

The green paper is not expected until the autumn, following the ministerial reshuffle and the inclusion of looked-after children within the strategy review being undertaken by new social exclusion minister Hilary Armstrong.

The LGA plans to use the delay to agree a joint position with agencies such as the Fostering Network and the Association of Directors of Social Services.

Policy officer Clive Grimshaw said the initiative had not yet been approved by association members but hoped the policy paper would cover issues such as joint commissioning, corporate parenting and leaving care.

In particular, the paper is likely to look at how schools can develop a broader understanding of their role as corporate parents beyond just education. Grimshaw said he hoped to get teachers involved in the process.