This guide describes the current developments and publications which schools and teachers can draw on for advice and information about looked after children. It also offers a growing support network which children themselves can be helped to access.

An education in care

It's estimated that around 60,000 young people are currently living in public care in residential and foster homes, separated from their families. These children need schools to be a channel of vital support in their lives. This guide describes some of the current developments and publications which schools and teachers can draw on for advice and information, and also the growing support network which children themselves can be helped to access.

Children in care (Looked After children) do not perform as well educationally as those who grow up in their own homes or with adoptive families. [See also Adoption] Many have their education disrupted, or fall behind. Young people who have been in care are hugely over-represented among rough sleepers, prisoners and runaways. The good news is that their educational attainment has been recognised as a source of major concern and that many initiatives are in place to address the issue. Kent County Council is working very hard to tackle the issue of educational underachievement among children in care and believes it is very important to have high expectations and aspirations of these young people.

Education protects

The Education Protects programme was launched in June 2000 to support and further improve the educational attainment of children in public care. It is jointly funded by the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (the two departments issued joint guidance in May 2000). See the Education Protects website for more information on the programme, including details of regional contacts, network meetings, news and events. There is a discussion forum as well as good practice examples from local authorities.

Social exclusion unit (SEU) and young people in care

May 2003 saw the launch of the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) practice guide: A Better Education for Children in Care: The Issues to support local authorities as they take action to improve the education of children in care. Visitors to the SEU's website can also read about the unit's work with young people in care and find out about the new targets for children in care. There are also links to seven fact sheets published by the SEU covering the following areas:

• access to out-of-school activities
• access to school
• early years
• health
• post-16
• support in education
• support at home

Health care programme

Healthy Care is a national programme, funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, that aims to promote the health and well-being of 'looked after children' and young people. A Healthy Care handbook (plus other resources) is available for those who are involved in or concerned about the care of looked after children and young people. For further information visit Healthy Care: National Children's Bureau website.

National service framework (NSF) for children, young people and maternity services

The children's NSF sets standards for health and social services for children, young people and pregnant women. Visit NSF for children, young people and maternity services webpage.

National electronic library for mental health

Visit the National Electronic Library for Mental Health webpage.

Taking part project

Funded by the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, developed and managed by ContinYou, the Taking Part project aims to raise the achievement of 'looked after children' and of good corporate parenting. It has been used as a strong example of Every Child Matters in practice. Visit the DfES: Study Support section where you can find out about the Taking Part project.

Young minds

Support and information for professionals working with 'looked after children' and young people on issues relating to emotional well-being and mental health. Visit the Young Minds webpage.

Additional information

• Supporting Looked After Learners DfES guidance to school governors - pdf format
• Statutory guidance on the duty of local authorities - important information - pdf format
• Supporting People from a care background in higher education - 16+
• Supporting People from a care background in higher education - 16+: Financial Support