The Department for Education has issued statutory guidance for local authorities to support looked-after children's aspirations to achieve in further and higher education.
The guidance sets the framework through which local authorities discharge their statutory duty under Children Act 1989, s 22(3A) to promote the educational achievement of looked-after children, including children placed out-of-authority.
The Children and Families Act 2014 amends Children Act 1989, s 22 to require every local authority in England to appoint an officer employed by the authority, or another authority, to ensure that its duty to promote the educational achievement of its looked-after children is properly discharged.
This statutory guidance is for:
- local authorities;
- virtual school heads (VSHs);
- directors of children’s services;
- social workers;
- independent reviewing officers; and
- officers who are responsible for the education of looked-after children.
The guidance will be reviewed and updated in 2016.
Click here to view the full guidance.
