Kinship One Minute Guides

For Special Guardians

Purpose: To help Special Guardians understand educational support and how to ask for help.

Support your child may be able to receive

• Virtual School advice and information for schools supporting children who were previously looked after under a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order.
• A Designated Teacher at school who is responsible for promoting the education of previously looked-after children.
• Pupil Premium Plus for eligible children who left care through a Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order. Special Guardians need to tell the school and provide evidence.

How to ask for help

• Contact the school’s Designated Teacher to discuss support, wellbeing and progress.
• Contact the Virtual School for guidance if the child was previously looked after.
• Ask for a meeting if the child is struggling with behaviour, attendance or learning.
• Ask about a SEND assessment if you believe the child has additional learning needs.

What schools should offer

• Understanding of trauma, loss and emotional needs.
• Flexible, personalised support where needed.
• Regular progress checks and clear communication.

Practical tips

• Share relevant background information sensitively.
• Keep written notes of meetings and agreed actions.
• Ask for one trusted adult in school the child can approach for help.
• Use Kinship resources for further guidance.

Additional support

• Kinship workshops about school support, SEND and behaviour.
• Peer-support groups for Special Guardians.
• Local authority kinship support, including post-order support.