Issue - meetings

Report ED14013

The Committee considered a report outlining the attainment of Bromley Looked After Children.  The Education PDS Committee had considered a report at its meeting on 12^th November 2014 on education outcomes for Bromley children in care and had requested further information be provided to Members on the attainment of children in care, including case studies, to support better understanding of the Local Authority’s performance in this area. 

In considering the report, the Vice-Chairman queried what action was taken to reduce the need for Looked After Children to change schools.  The Head Teacher: Virtual School, confirmed that Looked After Children often frequently changed schools and might be close to permanent exclusion before coming into the care of the Local Authority.  Once a child or young person became Looked After, the core focus was on creating stability for them, including in their education.  Where a child or young person was close to permanent exclusion, a decision would be made as to whether to seek to maintain their current school placement or whether they would benefit from a new school environment.

In response to a question from a Member around selective schools, the Head Teacher: Virtual School advised that Looked After Children were entered for selective school tests where appropriate.  Twenty weeks of one-to-one tuition was given to all Looked After Children in Year 6, and if necessary, a proportion of this would be focused on selection tests.  Specialist tuition could also be arranged for younger Looked After Children if needed.  The Member noted that selection tests for selective schools in Bromley were particularly rigorous and suggested that Looked After Children also be encouraged to apply to out of Borough selective schools.

A Member commended the Head Teacher: Virtual School for the progress made by a number of Looked After Children. 

The Chairman thanked foster parents, Bromley schools and the Head Teacher and staff of the Virtual School for the excellent support they gave Looked After Children in their attainment.

RESOLVED that the attainment of Bromley Looked After Children be noted.