Looked after children and children in care
3. Designated teachers
Schools may select a member of staff to be responsible for supporting looked after children. This is the designated teacher for looked after and previously looked after children. For maintained schools, this is a statutory responsibility. For non-maintained schools, it is good practice.
Designated teachers are a clear point of contact for teachers and other children’s services professionals. They need to be able to advise other school staff on how best to support children who may exhibit challenging behaviour.
The Virtual School provides free training for designated teachers and other staff. It can also provide specific tailored advice and support for individual children.
Please contact the Virtual School to find out who the designated teacher is for a particular school.
Designated teachers' responsibilities
- To champion the needs of children and young people in care in school
- To attend Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings for each young person three times a year and additionally at each transition
- To provide information about any changes that may impact on a young person’s education
- To write an annual report to their governing body on the achievements of young people in care
Guidance: