The Designated Teacher for children in care plays a crucial role in promoting the educational achievement and well-being of children in care. This statutory position exists in every school to support looked-after and previously looked-after children (including those adopted from care or under special guardianship orders) and ensure they have the same opportunities for success as their peers.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Champion Educational Progress:
- Ensure that looked-after children receive tailored support to achieve their academic potential.
- Track their educational progress and liaise with relevant staff to address any learning gaps or challenges.
- Ensure that PEPs are updated regularly and reflect any changes in the child’s circumstances or progress.
- Coordinate Support Services:
- Act as the main point of contact for social workers, Virtual School Heads, carers, and other professionals involved in the child’s care.
- Facilitate additional support, such as tutoring, mental health services, or extracurricular activities.
- Promote a Positive School Experience:
- Help foster a stable, inclusive, and safe learning environment.
- Work with school staff to raise awareness of the needs of looked-after children and promote understanding of any emotional or behavioral issues they may face.
- Work with the Virtual School Head:
- Collaborate closely with the Virtual School Head, a local authority officer responsible for overseeing the educational outcomes of looked-after children in the area.
- Ensure that the Virtual School Head is informed about the child’s progress and any challenges they may face.
- Advocate for Extra Support:
- Ensure the child receives all the additional resources they are entitled to, including the Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding.
- Advocate for any necessary special educational needs (SEN) assessments, support plans, or interventions to help the child thrive.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Designated Teacher plays an essential role in closing the achievement gap and ensuring that looked-after children have the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.