Looked After Children at Orleans Park school
Context Orleans has approx. 1,200 pupils Strong pastoral system – regular pastoral bulletin to all staff - COMMUNICATION Currently we have 2 looked after children (1 has a full statement of SEN) 2 pupils recently returned home after having been looked after (both have full statements of SEN) Experience of young people who have been placed in long term foster care, emergency placements, in children’s homes
Start early! Get information from primary school Review at primary school where we also meet foster carers and pupil (possibly PEP meeting in yr 6) Plan of action re transfer Visit on “vulnerable” induction afternoon more if necessary
Working with external agencies Looked after multi agency team – educational surgery…….. PEP meetings Placement review meetings Reviewing with school nurse Connexions…….
Ensuring equality of access Policy for Looked after children Training for all staff on impact of being looked after Accurate baseline data on entry Tracking the progress of LAC Preparing, attending and following through targets from PEP
Individual support Listen to the young person Mentoring with designated teacher Use cookery as a safe medium Offer of homework club / links with study zone / participation in extra curricular activities Work with LAC team – social worker, teachers etc Communication is vital
Work on specifics for each individual pupil – building trust, building self esteem, relationships etc Work with Head of Year and form tutor to ensure any issues are picked up quickly Work with foster family / staff from children's home
Listen Communicate Keep up to date with changes Be understanding Ask for help when necessary If possible, be prepared Work together