Looked After Children in the Early Years
Information Leaflet for Practitioners
www.portsmouth.gov.uk
Information Leaflet for Practitioners
What does the term ‘Looked After Children’ mean?
Children who are in the care of local authorities are described as ‘looked after
children’ or most recently ‘children in care’ and are one of the most vulnerable
groups in society. These children may be living in children’s homes, foster
homes or be living with the extended family.
Why do we need to support this group of children?
We have a responsibility under the Children’s Act to safeguard and promote
the welfare and education of all young people we look after.
Looked After Children are at risk of underachieving at school because they
may have experienced emotional trauma and disruption to their family life and
education.
Research has found that outcomes are further worsened if adults involved in
the lives of these children have low expectations about progress and
development. Education is an important pathway to a better life and in
Portsmouth we are working towards raising the achievement of looked after
children.
How can we support Looked After Children?
By empathising and caring for the child and meeting their needs in the setting.
By ensuring that any Looked After Child in your setting has a Personal
Education Plan (PEP).
By strong advocacy around the needs of children in care and asking “would
this (response, situation, etc) be good enough for my child? “
What is a Personal Education Plan?
It is a statutory requirement that every looked after child has a Personal
Education Plan (PEP) and this should be instigated by their social worker.
The practitioner in the setting, social worker and carer should work together to
complete the PEP.
It is essential that a PEP meeting is held at any time of significant change,
such as transitions to another setting or school.
What does a PEP do?
A PEP signals children’s particular needs and will establish clear goals and
act as a record of progress and achievement.
If I have a Looked After Child in my setting now, what should I do?
If a PEP has not been initiated, contact the Social Worker responsible for the
child to discuss the PEP and arrange a meeting as soon as possible.
How can I find a PEP?
Template PEPs and guidance are available from:
Ella Harbut - Early Years Advisory Teacher, Early Years and Childcare Service
(Tel: 023 9267 4575)
Email : Ella.harbut@portsmouthcc.gov.uk)
Corporate Parenting Team
Tel: 023 9268 8638
and of course the child’s social worker.
PEPs are available in e mail or hard copy format.
Early Excellence Administration Centre
Flying Bull Lane
Buckland
Portsmouth, PO2 7BJ
Telephone: 023 9267 4578
Email: ella.harbut@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
www.portsmouth.gov.uk
Document ref:
You can get this
Portsmouth City
Council information
in large print, Braille,
audio or in another
language by calling
023 9267 0035.