"Being in school full time gives children the best possible chances to succeed. As well as learning subjects in class, they develop routines and understand about timekeeping. Missing school makes it harder for them to catch up what they miss." (Who Does What, DCSF 2004).

Levels of educational achievement among looked after children tend to be very significantly lower than their peers.

The Government is determined to work with local authorities and other partners to help remove these barriers. Looked after children should enjoy the same outcomes as other children, including in education.

Please find below are links to guidance and legislation for use by schools and education professionals to support the education of looked after children in Kent.

Local authority duties

• The Children Act 2002 - Section 52 - to promote the educational achievement of Looked After Children

DCSF guidance

• The Children Act 2004
• Every Child Matters
• Draft DCSF Statutory guidance: Duty on local authorities to promote the educational achievement of looked after children (includes KCC response)
• DCSF outcome indicators for looked after children
• The standards site - study support

OfSTED guidance

• OfSTED website

The Healthy Care programme

The Healthy Care Programme provides a multi-agency framework to improve the health of looked after children and young people in England. The framework co-ordinates the key policies and addresses the issues that affect the health and well-being of children and young people.

• National Children's Bureau
• National Children's Bureau - healthy care section
• Department of Health
• Young Minds
• NHS library for mental health

Personal Education Plans

View our page about personal education plans for further information.

You can also download a copy of Kent County Council's policy with respect to the education of Looked After Children and young people by promoting school attendance. These guidelines have been written to help parents, carers and other professionals understand each others' roles in supporting looked after children and promoting young people's attendance at school.

Promoting School Attendance for Looked After Children

Our Corporate Parenting Handbook will also be available shortly.