Previously looked after children

Previously Looked-After Children: Information for Schools

Local authorities have a duty under the Children Act 1989 (as amended by the Children and Social Work Act 2017) to promote the educational achievement of previously looked-after children by providing information and advice to schools and families. The Coventry Virtual School fulfils this duty by offering advice, guidance and training to education settings across Coventry.

A previously looked-after child is a child who:

• was in care immediately before being adopted, or
• left care under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) or Child Arrangements Order (CAO), or
• was in state care outside England and Wales prior to adoption

Key responsibilities for schools

Schools must:

• have a Designated Teacher for previously looked-after children
• ensure eligible children are recorded in the October census (where declared)
• use Pupil Premium Plus to support individual needs
• work in partnership with parents and carers
• understand the impact of trauma and early adversity
• maintain confidentiality

Promoting educational achievement

Schools should:

• maintain high expectations for all learners
• identify and address barriers to learning early
• meet regularly with parents/carers to review progress and support
• ensure support plans are in place and reviewed
• avoid exclusion wherever possible

Personal Education Plans (PEPs)

Previously looked-after children do not require a statutory PEP. However, schools should ensure there is a clear, regularly reviewed plan in place to support the child’s education and progress. We recommend that schools use the below template:

• Adoption UK: national charity providing support and information for adoptive families
• PAC UK: information and advice for parents about previously looked after children

Unique Pupil Number (UPN)

Where a child is adopted, a new Unique Pupil Number (UPN) is issued, and there must be no link or reference to their previous UPN, in line with Department for Education guidance.