Looked-after child

Also called LAC, Child in care, CLA, Children looked after

A child in local authority care. In education they get priority admission, a personal plan and a dedicated teacher.

What it is

A looked-after child is one in the care of a local authority, whether under a care order or accommodated by agreement under section 20.

Previously looked-after children — adopted from care, or on a special guardianship or child arrangements order — keep several of the same education entitlements.

Where it applies

Children in care, and in some respects those who were.

How it works

In education this brings specific rights: top priority in every school's oversubscription criteria, a designated teacher in every school, a personal education plan, and access to pupil premium plus.

Every council has a Virtual School Head responsible for promoting the educational achievement of its looked-after children, and their remit now extends to children with a social worker.

Looked-after children should not be excluded except in the most exceptional circumstances, and schools must consider the impact carefully.

What you can ask for

Ask for the PEP to be reviewed termly with the young person present, and for the actions to be specific.

Ask the Virtual School for help with a school place, with catch-up, or with an exclusion. That is what it is for and carers often do not know it exists.

Ask how pupil premium plus is being spent on this child specifically. It is not a general school fund.

Where to get help

The council's Virtual School Head, the school's designated teacher, and Coram Voice for children's advocacy.