Issue - items at meetings - Education of Children in Care

Report of the Interim director of Children’s Services (copy attached).

27.1         The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Children’s Services in relation to the Education of Children in Care. The local authority had a responsibility to promote the educational attainment of children in care, and the Sub-Committee should ensure the responsibility of the local authority for children in care was one shared by all Senior Officers and Members. Opportunities were also made available to young people within the Council for high quality work experience; work shadowing and apprenticeship opportunities. There was a clear understanding of the barriers to educational attainment and how these can be over come.

27.2         Members noted that the exclusion record was good; the position was similar to 2011, and it was highlighted that a member of staff would be recruited to support the 16+ personal education plans (PEP). Work would also be undertaken in relation to resourcing, and some comparative work would be done with East and Sussex County Councils.

27.3         Following a query from Councillor Shanks it was explained that the virtual school stopped at 16.

27.4         Councillor Gilbey asked about the virtual school’s relationship with the two academies in the city, and it was explained that more time needed to be spent working with them.

27.5         The Sub-Committee discussed the placement of children in care in schools, and it was highlighted that some local authorities took the view that children in care should only be placed in schools rated ‘good’ or ‘excellent’; the Council would work to this as a standard, but tried to take a practical approach and consider factors such as locality and friendship groups. It was noted that this would also apply to children placed in school outside of the city.

27.6         Councillor Gilbey asked about placing children in care at the new Free School which was due to open this year, and it was explained that this would be down to the parental choice and considered on a case by case basis. Following further queries it was explained that the local authority had some say in how schools would spend the pupil premium, and they would ask the school to share this information.

27.7         RESOLVED – That the Committee receives the report and continues to monitor educational outcomes for Children in Care.