Evaluation of the Implementation of the Pupil Development Grant for Looked After Children: Final Report

The Pupil Development Grant was introduced in 2012 to provide additional funding to schools to help mitigate disadvantages for pupils on free school meals and LAC. In 2015, it was decided to separate the funding provided for children eligible for free school meals (eFSM) and LAC through two separate grants. Allocations for the PDG for LAC were made to the four regional education consortia (RECs), rather than directly to schools, with the aim of facilitating a more strategic approach to using the funding across regions. The allocation amounts to a little under £4 million a year.
The grant is expected to support school improvement to reduce inequities facing LAC:

There are around 6,000 LAC with considerable variation in the numbers between LAs and schools. LAC’s prior experiences and their experience of being in care can have profound effects on their educational progress and attainment which impact on their vocational training and employment prospects.
While the trend over time shows LAC’s attendance and attainment (up to 2016) has generally improved, there is a large gap in attainment between LAC and other pupils at all stages of education, critically at Key Stage 4 which has a great effect on progression. This is found to varying degrees in all REC areas.

Access resource

Analysis of outcomes for children and young people 4 to 5 years after a final Care Order

This document details placement journeys for children in care in Wales and how these compare with the outcomes aspired to in their Care Plan.

Access full resource Download

Strategy: Making a difference – a guide for the designated person for looked after children

This document describes the aims of the Welsh Government in driving up academic achievement of looked after children and young people.

For the Welsh version, please refer to this link here.

Access full resource

Strategy: Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales

This document describes the Welsh Government’s programme and its six key themes to tackle the educational underachievement of children who are looked after. It should be read in conjunction with its accompanying action plan.

Access full report Download

Young People’s Strategy (easy to read): Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales

Having ambitions, reaching our goals – An easy-to-read young people’s strategy to support children who are looked after reach their goals in education and raise their ambitions.

Access full resource Download

Action Plan: Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales

This document sets out theme by theme the Welsh Government’s commitment to improve the educational outcomes of looked after children. It contains a timeframe of specific actions to be undertaken by the Welsh Government and its key partners. It should be read in conjunction with the strategy: Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales.

Access resource Download

Young People’s Summary: One Year On – Raising the ambitions and educational attainment of children who are looked after in Wales – Summary Report

This easy-to-read document for young people summarises the Welsh Government’s programme and the progress made in delivering actions within its six key themes to drive improvement in the educational outcomes of children who are looked after. It summarises what has been achieved under the programme from February 2016 to January 2017 and what is planned for 2017–2018.

Access full report Download

Responding to issues of self-harm and thoughts of suicide in young people: guidance for teachers, professionals, volunteers and youth services

This guidance provides information for adults who work with children and young people regarding how to respond to issues of suicide and self-harm. It addresses how to ask questions of children and young people who may have suicidal feelings or be self-harming, and how to respond to disclosure of these feelings and behaviours. It provides guidance on confidentiality, safeguarding and routes of escalation.

Access full report Download

Online safety action plan for children and young people in Wales 2019

The action plan provides an update on the progress of each of the 46 actions detailed in the 2018 plan. It also sets out the details of 15 new actions which will be taken forward by Welsh Government to enhance online safety provision, policy and practice across Wales.

There is no doubt that the internet brings enormous benefits, but it is critical that we openly discuss the darker sides of the internet and the many risks it poses. These are difficult conversations but essential ones to have if we are to educate our children and young people. They have the right to access information that keeps them safe from harm and allows them to navigate the world we live in, one which is very different to the world we, or their parents, grew up in.

Access full report Download

Advocacy standards and outcomes framework for children and young people

Advocacy is about: speaking up for children and young people, empowering children and young people to make sure their rights are respected and their views, wishes and feelings are heard at all times, representing the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people to decision-makers, and helping them to navigate the system.

This National Standards and Outcomes Framework sets out wellbeing outcomes for people who need care and support and carers who need support, this includes advocacy. The Framework states people must have the opportunity to speak for themselves and contribute to the decisions affecting their lives, or have someone who can do it for them. The achievement of this must be measured.

Access full report Download