As a Designated Teacher, you play a key role and can really make a difference to young people in care. According to feedback from Staffordshire Virtual School, children in care agreed that knowing and having a good relationship with their DT was one of the most important factors supporting them in school. They list 5 top tips for listening to the voice of the child:
- Be available, take time to get to know me
- Notice if I am upset or angry and listen to me when I need help - see our section on Emotion Coaching
- Understand that even though I've had a different past than most people, it doesn't mean that I need to be treated differently
- Understand my experience of being Looked After
- Understand that my past will affect my present and future behaviour even if I don't notice
Go this website to find out 10 things children looked after want you to know:
Educational Achievement and Progress
It is a statutory requirement that every Child in Care of statutory school age has a PEP that should be monitored and updated, along with the care plan. Schools are expected to Chair the meeting but a social worker must attend. The Virtual School will attend many of the PEP meetings. In Barnet PEPs are completed on line through Welfare Call.
- The PEP is an evolving record of what needs to happen for Children in Care to enable them to fulfil their potential
- It is a way of supporting the education of a young person in care
- It provides a mechanism for consulting, listening to and involving the young person in their educational experience
- The PEP is intended to enhance stability, achieve continuity and raise the expectations and self-esteem of the young person
- It acknowledges achievement and celebrates success
- There is an expectation that PEPs will be carried out on a termly
New to being a Designated Teacher (DT) or New to Barnet
If you a new DT or new to Barnet, please contact us. We will send you the information you need and inform you of any up and coming training.
- 0208 359 4534
- [email protected]
Useful Links
- DfE (Feb 2018). The role and responsibilities of the designated teacher for looked after and previously looked after children
- DfE (Feb 2018). Promoting the education of looked after children and previously looked after children - statutory guidance for local authorities
- Attachment Research Community - specialist support to embed best attachment practice in your setting
- Emotion Coaching UK - specialist support to embed emotion coaching principles in your setting
- The Fostering Network - membership, support and advice for foster carers
- Become - advice and support for children in care and care leavers