Early Intervention Strategies Cared for Children February 2012

Aims of the Session To raise awareness of Cared for Children (sometimes called Looked after Children) and The Virtual School. To consider the Role of the Manager in supporting Cared for Children To explain the Personal Education Plan as an intervention strategy. To provide opportunities for questions.

Cared for Children Currently 436 Cared for Children in Cheshire East (up 100 on same time last year) Virtual School model prompted by the poor outcomes for Cared for Children nationally. E.g. 11% gain 5A*-C GCSEs ( including English and Maths) as opposed to 65% of their peers. 27% of the prison population ( and 50 % of prisoners under 25) have been in care 22% of care leavers will be unemployed by the September after they leave school, as opposed to 6% of the general population. 50% of all prostitutes have been in care.

Why a Virtual School? It is essential that there are clear lines of accountability for improving the educational attainment of looked after children. Local authorities should strive to put in place processes that provide clarity and direction to efforts to enhance the life chances of these vulnerable pupils.

The Virtual School for Cared for Children The Local Authority is the corporate parent for Cared for Children and takes responsibility for their care and support. The Virtual School takes the lead in ensuring that all of our Cared for Children have the best educational opportunities in schools and settings. The Head of the Virtual School is Phil Mellen. In the Early Years and Childcare team Julia Ward has the responsibility for overseeing the educational progress of Cared for Children in settings and links with the Virtual School.

The child /young person Ensure Cared for Children are given opportunities to lead successful lives Ensure Cared for Children achieve their academic potential. Ensure individual attainment rises. Ensure those who support Cared for Children are supported, trained and guided. Ensure that Cared for Children and their needs are championed. Ensure Cared for Children access full range of curricular and extra-curricular activities. Ensure voice of Cared for Children is heard, listened to and acted upon. Ensure the emotional well- being of Cared for Children is supported. Ensure Cared for Children have access to the right resources, funding and materials.

Support… Expertise of Educational Consultants Training for Designated Teachers, Foster Carers, Governors etc. Funding Links to good practice in Cheshire East and beyond Support with Personal Education Plans

Cared for Children can be Section 20 – Accommodated This means that the child is looked after on a voluntary basis. Parents have parental responsibility and there is agreement with the Local Authority (LA) about day to day care arrangements. There are no legal orders i.e. care proceedings have not been to court. Section 31 – Full Care Order This means that the child is looked after as a result of care proceedings in court. Parental responsibility is shared between the LA and parents. However, the LA can make all important decisions. It is advisable for those involved with a case to check any requests made by the parents with the social worker.

Cared for Children can be Section 38 – Interim Care Order This means that the child is subject to ongoing court proceedings and assessments. The child has the same legal status as a child on a full care order but only for the time period during which the interim care order has been granted.

Cared for Children can live with foster carers at home, with members of their extended family who have been approved as foster carers with parents under the Placed with Parents Regulations in residential care. Note: If a child is privately fostered he or she is not a Cared for Child.

Data for 0-5 years Cared for Children There are currently 104 Cared for Children in Cheshire East aged 0-4 years. Placement Type0-4 Relative/Friend14 CE Foster Care27 CW&C Foster Care0 Independent Foster Care27 CE Home0 CW&C Home0 Independent Home0 Placed with parents16 Independent living / Friends0 NHS/health Trust2 Residential School0 Residential accommodation0 Young offenders institute0 Mum & Baby unit0 Adoption18 Woman’s Refuge0 Total104

National Picture Increasing number of Cared for children Pilot scheme for two year old funding Extension of funding for two year old places from September Priority to Cared for Children. “ A child’s development score at 22 months predicts educational outcomes at 26 years” (The Allen Report) “The first 5 years of life shape children’s life chances….later attainment is heavily influenced by early development” (Frank Field) By the age of three, a baby’s brain is 80% formed and his or her experiences before then shape the way the brain has grown and developed. (Frank Field)

If a Cared for Child attends your setting You should know. All settings should have a designated practitioner for Cared for Children. This could be the SoCCO. Four main attachment styles: Secure/ Avoidant/ Ambivalent/ Disorganised As the educational setting you will be asked to contribute to the child’s Personal Education Plan (PEP) and to their Cared for Review. All correspondence about the child will be highly confidential and should be stored separately in a locked cabinet. Note: A Cared for Child from another Local Authority could be placed in your setting.

Intervention for Cared for Children The Personal Education Plan (PEP) Cheshire East believes it is best practice for all Cared for Children to have a PEP, not just those of statutory school age. For children in the Early Years in Cheshire East we refer to their PEP as My Learning Plan.

My Learning Plan My Learning Plan is divided into four sections. Part A – Records the child’s personal information and contact details for all those involved with them. Part B – Records the voice of the child. Part C – Records the child’s developmental progress (refer to stages in Development Matters), educational achievements and next steps. Part D – Lists all those involved in completing My Learning Plan. It identifies actions to be taken as a result of the meeting and by whom.

The PEP Process The designated practitioner for Cared for Children at the setting organises the PEP Meeting. The meeting should be attended by the child, their carers, the social worker and other professionals involved with the child. Every Cared for Child should have a PEP which is reviewed every six months. Correspondence about a PEP should be directed to address PEP information is confidential. Please ensure you comply with the Data Protection Act and make sure data is secure if you use .

Eight principles of the Data Protection Act Make sure that personal information is: Fairly and lawfully processed Processed for limited purposes Adequate, relevant and not excessive Accurate and up to date Not kept for longer than is necessary Processed in line with your rights Secure Not transferred to other countries without adequate protection

Support and training Virtual School for Cared for Children Early Years and Childcare Team website Trifold – ‘Guidance for Early Years and Childcare providers’

Any thoughts? Any questions?

Final reminder Please inform Julia Ward M: when any Cared for Child starts or leaves your setting. Thank you.