Previously looked after children - Print version

Funding for previously looked after children

Funding is available to support the education of any previously looked-after child (i.e.has been in the care of the local authority and then adopted in England or Wales, subject to an SGO or child arrangement order) from when the child begins early years provision through to them finishing compulsory education, where the child is in provision funded in part or in full by the state in maintained schools or academies.

The school will receive PCLA funding from central Government in the same way they do for pupil premium. Those adopted outside of England and Wales are not eligible. In order for the school to receive this money parents must self-declare that they have a previously looked-after child. The head teacher should request sight of the legal paperwork, it may be a court order or certificate.

Please note parents are not obliged to declare this information and schools need to be sensitive to the confidential nature of this information. The school will then record this information on the October school census and receive the funding in the following financial year along with the FSM pupil premium. If a child is not recorded as PCLA for the October census then they will not receive the funding. 

The Coventry Virtual School is able to advise schools on what it may spend the funding on. This money isn’t ring fenced for an individual child and is to ‘benefit that cohort’. However it is best practice to involve parents or carers in expenditure decisions given the additional needs of PCLA

Funding for your school age child: Pupil Premium Plus

If your previously looked after child is in Year R to Y11 at a maintained school or academy, the school could get extra funding called Pupil premium plus [https://kinship.org.uk/support-and-advice/advice-and-information/pupil-premium-plus/]

You'll be asked to provide evidence to the school that your child:

• was adopted from care in England or Wales on an Adoption Order
• left care in England and Wales on a Special Guardianship Order or a Child Arrangements Order

If your child moves school you'll need to do this again. The school must treat this information as confidential.

You have the right not to tell the school that your child is previously looked after. However, if you don't tell the school your child won't benefit from the funding.

Adopted children are only entitled to Pupil Premium Plus funding if they were adopted from an English or Welsh local authority on leaving care.

Supporting Children Previously Looked After (CPLA)

Previously looked-after children are those who:

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

These children can sometimes face additional challenges in education due to their early experiences. However, with the right support, they can thrive and achieve strong outcomes.

Our role

The Coventry Virtual School has a statutory duty to promote the educational achievement of previously looked-after children.

We do this by:

• providing advice, guidance and training to schools and education settings
• supporting parents and carers with education-related queries
• helping schools understand and respond to the impact of early trauma and attachment
• promoting effective use of Pupil Premium Plus funding
• supporting strong transitions between settings and key stages

How we can help

We work in partnership with schools, parents and carers to:

• identify and overcome barriers to learning
• support engagement, attendance and progress
• ensure the right support is in place at the right time
• promote high aspirations and positive outcomes

Working together

Supporting previously looked-after children works best when schools and families work closely together. Schools should have a Designated Teacher who leads on support for previously looked-after children. Parents and carers should feel confident to share information (where they choose to) so that schools can provide the right support

Our aim

We want all previously looked-after children to:

• feel safe, supported and understood
• develop a strong sense of belonging in education
• achieve their full potential and enjoy the same opportunities as their peers

Virtual School Direct Number: 024 7697 5535

E-mail: virtualschool@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:virtualschool@coventry.gov.uk]

Web: Virtual School [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/virtualschool]

Previously looked after children: information and advice for parents, guardians and carers

What you can expect for your previously looked after child from an early years setting or school.

Early years education for two to four year olds

If your child is two, three or four years old find out more about early education funding [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/360/parents/2054/parents_and_carers_-_2_3_and_4_year_old_early_education_funding].

How to find the best early years setting for your child

Before you choose an early years setting you can:

• check the Ofsted inspection report [https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/?beta_opt_out=1]
• Find a childcare provider [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/earlyyearschildcare]

You can also look at an individual setting’s website and arrange a visit.

Early Years Pupil Premium

Previously looked after children aged three and four years-old are eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP). You'll need to show evidence of the Court Order that proves that the child was in local authority care in either England or Wales.

School aged children

How to find the best school for your child

Before you choose a school you can:

• check the Ofsted inspection report [https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/?beta_opt_out=1]
• see the school admissions web pages [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/schooladmissions]
• if your child has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), see the special educational needs and disabilities school admissions process [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/157/coventrys_special_educational_needs_and_disability_send_local_offer/2373/school_education_for_children_with_special_education_needs_and_disabilities/6]. There's a different admissions process for children with SEND.

You can also look at an individual school’s website and arrange a visit.

When you apply for your child’s school place

When you apply for a school place you will be asked if your child:

• was adopted from care in England or Wales on an Adoption Order
• was adopted from state care outside England and Wales, state care is care provided by a public authority, a religious organisation, or any other organisation whose sole or main purpose is to benefit society
• left care in England and Wales on a Special Guardianship Order or a Child Arrangements Order

The Order must still be current.

You don’t have to tell anyone that your child was previously looked after, but your child won’t have priority in getting a school place if you don’t.
You’ll be asked to provide evidence that your child was previously looked after, for example the Court Order.

Funding for your school age child: Pupil Premium Plus

If your previously looked after child is in Year R to Y11 at a maintained school or academy, the school could get extra funding called Pupil Premium Plus [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-allocations-and-conditions-of-grant-2020-to-2021/pupil-premium-conditions-of-grant-2020-to-2021].

You'll be asked to provide evidence to the school that your child:

• was adopted from care in England or Wales on an Adoption Order
• left care in England and Wales on a Special Guardianship Order or a Child Arrangements Order

If your child moves school you'll need to do this again. The school must treat this information as confidential.

You have the right not to tell the school that your child is previously looked after. However, if you don't tell the school your child won't benefit from the funding.

Adopted children are only entitled to Pupil Premium Plus funding if they were adopted from an English or Welsh local authority on leaving care.

Other sources of advice and information

Every maintained school and academy must have a designated teacher for previously looked after children [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-teacher-for-looked-after-children] who provides information, advice and support. They should be a good person to talk to in the first instance.

Adoption support

• Adoption UK [https://www.adoptionuk.org/]: national charity providing support and information for adoptive families
• PAC UK [https://www.pac-uk.org/education/]: information and advice for parents about previously looked after children

Previously looked after children: information and advice for schools and education settings

The Coventry Virtual School is here to support you and your child’s education.

What you can expect from your child’s school

Schools should:

• have a Designated Teacher who understands the needs of previously looked-after children
• work in partnership with you
• understand how early experiences may impact learning and behaviour
• provide appropriate support to help your child succeed

Telling the school

You do not have to tell the school that your child is previously looked after. However, if you do:

• your child may receive additional support through Pupil Premium Plus funding
• the school can better understand and support your child’s needs
• you will be asked to provide evidence (such as a court order), and this information must be treated confidentially.

School admissions

Previously looked-after children are given priority in school admissions. You will be asked to declare this when applying for a school place and provide evidence.

Funding: Pupil Premium Plus

If your child is in Reception to Year 11 in a state-funded school, the school may receive Pupil Premium Plus to support their education. This funding is used by the school to provide additional support based on your child’s needs. Schools should work with you when deciding how this is used.

Early Years (ages 3 to 4)

Previously looked-after children aged 3 to 4 may be eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP). You will need to provide evidence of your child’s legal status.

Support and advice

If you have concerns about your child’s education:

• speak to the school’s Designated Teacher
• contact Coventry Virtual School for advice and guidance

You can also find support from:

• Adoption UK [https://www.adoptionuk.org/]: national charity providing support and information for adoptive families
• PAC UK [https://www.pac-uk.org/education/]: information and advice for parents about previously looked after children