Definition of Highly Vulnerable (HV) education circumstances
A child's education is deemed highly vulnerable when the child’s looked-after status contributes directly to educational instability or risk, such as:
- high risk of permanent exclusion (PEX)
- significant and rapid decline in academic progress following disrupted home circumstances
- lack of access to appropriate SEND advice/support due to school/placement changes
- multiple placement moves leading to disrupted school placements or transition difficulties
- unmet complex SEMH or behavioural needs linked to previous trauma/ attachment challenges
SEND needs of pupils and this includes seeking and implementing specialist advice where the gradated approach requires this.
The level of need become significant when a pupil shows limited progress despite receiving relevant, time-bound, and closely monitored interventions—delivered within the context of consistently good or better teaching. At this point, a decision may be made to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment.