This resource is based on Children looked after friendly schools, which was commissioned jointly by Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf local authorities utilising PDG LAC funding. The content was developed by Andrea Higgins, Academic Director and Programme Coordinator in Cardiff University’s School of Psychology, working closely with Hannah Bevan and Jess Jones, LAC Education Coordinators from Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. The resource is to assist all professionals who support the education of the children and young people who are looked after. For consistency with the Children looked after friendly schools document, “Children looked after” or “CLA” will be used to reference looked after children throughout the resource.
The content of this resource was greatly supported by the people who have been most significant in developing our understanding around improving the lives of children who are looked after. Their knowledge and experience has been hugely influential. It is much of their thinking and teaching that has underpinned what has been presented in this resource. Specifically, these are: Louise Bombèr, Kim Golding, Heather Geddes, Dan Hughes and Marie Delaney.
This resource provides the information and advice needed by schools (and all settings within the educational system) that will help them to become more CLA Friendly. Schools that are most effectively able to meet the needs of looked after children are those with staff who have knowledge and understanding of the barriers and challenges they face and where the systems are structured to actively promote the best possible outcomes for this most vulnerable group.
The Essential Bits: facts and terminology
What we need to know about children in the care system
The whole school CLA friendly approach
Preventative Approaches: Building the resilience of our CLA
Responsive Strategies: CLA who are presenting challenges
The Voices of the Child and the Young People
