Looked After Children

Education for Looked After Children: PEPs & Virtual Schools

January 2025•12 min read

Why Education Matters

Educational achievement is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes for looked after children. Yet LAC often underperform educationally due to disrupted schooling, trauma, and placement moves. As a social worker, prioritising education is essential.

The Virtual School Head

Role and Responsibilities

Every local authority has a Virtual School Head (VSH) who:

  • Champions the education of looked after children
  • Monitors educational progress of all LAC
  • Manages Pupil Premium Plus funding
  • Provides training and support to schools
  • Intervenes when children aren't progressing
  • Supports school admissions

When to Contact the Virtual School

  • New placement—ensuring school place
  • Concerns about educational progress
  • Risk of exclusion
  • SEND needs not being met
  • Difficulties accessing school
  • Planning transitions

Key fact: LAC have highest priority for school admissions, even if the school is full. Use this when advocating for appropriate placements.

Personal Education Plans (PEPs)

What is a PEP?

A Personal Education Plan is a statutory document for every looked after child that:

  • Sets out educational needs and targets
  • Details support being provided
  • Records how Pupil Premium Plus is being used
  • Is reviewed termly

Timescales

  • Initial PEP within 20 working days of entering care
  • Reviewed every school term
  • Updated within 10 days of placement change

Social Worker Role in PEPs

  • Attend PEP meetings
  • Provide information about placement and care plan
  • Contribute to target setting
  • Follow up on actions
  • Ensure carers can support education

Document PEP Meetings

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Pupil Premium Plus

What It Is

Additional funding for the education of looked after children:

  • Currently around £2,530 per child per year
  • Managed by Virtual School Head
  • Should be used to address individual needs
  • Flexible use based on what child needs

Examples of Use

  • One-to-one tuition
  • Specialist resources
  • Emotional literacy support
  • Enrichment activities
  • Educational equipment
  • Support for transition

School Stability

Importance

Maintaining school placement is crucial:

  • Continuity of relationships
  • Uninterrupted learning
  • Stability and routine
  • Peer relationships

When Placement Changes

  • Consider if school can be maintained
  • Arrange transport if necessary
  • Plan transitions carefully
  • Minimise gaps in education

Special Educational Needs

Higher Prevalence

LAC are more likely to have SEND:

  • Impact of early experiences
  • Developmental trauma
  • Attachment difficulties
  • May need EHCP assessment

Your Role

  • Advocate for assessments when needed
  • Attend EHCP meetings
  • Ensure needs are in PEP
  • Challenge if provision inadequate

Exclusions

Prevention

LAC should rarely be excluded:

  • Behaviour often reflects trauma
  • Schools should make adjustments
  • Involve Virtual School early
  • Consider alternative approaches

If Exclusion Threatened

  • Attend meetings with school
  • Advocate for the child
  • Involve Virtual School
  • Challenge if appropriate
  • Ensure alternative provision

Post-16 Education

Support Available

  • Virtual School support continues to 18
  • Extended to 25 if in education
  • Higher education support
  • Bursaries for care leavers

Pathway Planning

  • Consider aspirations early
  • Support with applications
  • Ensure financial support
  • Coordinate with leaving care team

Conclusion

Education can be transformative for looked after children. Prioritise school stability, attend PEPs, work closely with the Virtual School, and advocate persistently for every child's educational needs. Good educational outcomes open doors for the future.