Support for Looked-After Children and Partnership with the Virtual School
Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School, Liverpool, meets its statutory duties under Section 20 of the Children and Young Persons Act and relevant guidance by ensuring that looked-after children are appropriately supported to achieve good educational outcomes.
A Designated Teacher for Looked-After Children is in place and has responsibility for promoting the educational achievement and wellbeing of looked-after children on roll. The Designated Teacher works closely with the Virtual School, social workers, carers, and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to support.
Personal Education Plans (PEPs) are completed within statutory timescales, are of good quality, and are reviewed regularly. PEPs are used as a working document to identify needs, set clear and measurable targets, and inform provision. Pupil Premium Plus funding is allocated appropriately and is monitored to ensure it has a positive impact on academic progress, attendance, engagement, and wellbeing.
The school tracks the attainment, progress, attendance, and behaviour of looked-after children carefully. Any concerns are identified promptly and addressed through targeted intervention, reasonable adjustments, and effective pastoral support. Where necessary, additional support is put in place to remove barriers to learning.
Staff are aware of the needs of looked-after children and understand the importance of providing a stable, consistent, and supportive environment. Relevant training and guidance ensure that staff are sensitive to issues such as attachment, trauma, and emotional wellbeing.
Through effective partnership working with the Virtual School and other agencies, Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School ensures that looked-after children are safeguarded, supported appropriately, and enabled to make progress in line with their peers.