Kinship carers and special guardians who have children who were not ever ‘looked-after’ by a local authority (even for one day) are in a different position currently from those who were looked after.
If your child is living in a kinship care placement but was never ‘looked-after’, they will not be entitled to priority school admission or pupil premium plus, even if they have a special guardianship or child arrangement order.
Many children living with kinship carers have experienced grief, separation or loss, or have had traumatic experiences in their early lives. Some children will have experienced abuse or neglect and their early life experiences may have a lasting effect on them emotionally, socially and academically. It is recognised that their needs do not change overnight and that they do not stop being vulnerable just because they are now in a loving home.
There may be certain times of year, or times in the child’s school life, that are particularly difficult for them. This could be most noticeable at times of transition – for example, the end or start of the academic year, as change can be difficult for children who have already experienced lots of change. It may be worth talking to the school about your child’s needs so that they can help prepare them for changes that will happen.
All schools have to have a designated teacher for LAC or PLAC (children who were looked-after or previously looked-after), and this is a good person for you to get to know. Many carers will want to explain their child’s story so the school has a good understanding of the child, and the designated teacher (DT) should be a good person for you to talk to.
All children who live in a kinship care arrangement (unless it is a private, informal arrangement), are entitled to educational advice and guidance from Jane Manning, who works for Enfield’s Virtual School.
Please contact Jane (Monday to Wednesday only) on jane.manning@enfield.gov.uk or telephone on 020 4526 7039.
Jane also runs termly coffee mornings for special guardians and kinship carers to discuss educational issues and meet other carers. Please look out for details.
For more information, view Educational support for children in kinship care in Enfield - advice for carers (PDF, 955.92 KB).
Frequently asked questions for kinship carers and special guardians
Is there anyone at my child’s school I should talk to?
Every school has a teacher whose role it is to be the 'designated teacher for looked-after, and previously looked-after children'. It would be a good idea to arrange an appointment with this person when your child starts school, or at any point afterwards, as it can help school to understand your child and any needs they may have.
We have a special guardianship order or child arrangement order but our child was never 'looked after', will my child receive pupil premium plus?
Unfortunately, your child is not entitled to this benefit currently. However, you are still entitled to receive advice and guidance from Enfield’s PLAC Officer, Jane Manning (see contact details above).
My child is struggling at school, who should I contact?
In the first instance, contact your child’s class teacher or SENDCo (primary school) or form tutor, head of year or SENDCo (secondary school). It may also be useful to include the designated teacher for LAC or PLAC in any discussion.
What is a suspension or exclusion?
An exclusion occurs when the head teacher has decided that as a result of a child’s behaviour they can no longer attend the school either permanently or for a specified period of time (suspension). The exclusion has to be in accordance with the school’s behaviour policy and national guidance on exclusion.
If your child has been suspended or excluded, please contact Jane Manning (see contact details above) for advice and guidance.
I think my child has additional needs, what should I do?
Please contact the school SENDCo to discuss. If you have worries regarding your child’s behaviour at school please talk to staff.
If you have any educational queries about your child, and you have concerns or worries after contacting the school, please contact Enfield’s PLAC Officer, Jane Manning (see contact details above).
Useful websites and resources
Enfield Special Guardianship duty line
Telephone 020 8379 8490 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10am to 3:30pm) or email us at specialguardians@enfield.gov.uk.
Kinship advice line
Kinship are experts in supporting kinship carers around all issues facing carers. Telephone 0300 123 7015 (Monday to Friday 9:30am to 2pm).
Family Rights Group
The Family Rights Group is a charity that can give advice and information to special guardians. Offering a free and confidential telephone and digital advice service providing legal and practical advice to families. Supporting kinship carers, who are raising a relative or a friend’s child. The website also has advice sheets for special guardians. Telephone 0808 801 0366.
Adopt London North
Email adoptionsupportduty@islington.gov.uk or telephone 020 7527 4777 (select option 2).
PAC-UK
For adoptive parents, special guardians, school staff and social workers, to talk through any school or educational concerns regarding adopted or special guardianship children, and receive advice and support. London Education Advice Line telephone 020 7284 5879, Thursdays 12pm to 2pm (during school term times only).
Enfield SENDIASS
The Enfield Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS Service) is open to any Enfield resident aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs, their parents and carers and professionals who support these families. This service is impartial, confidential and free to use. This includes a phone line open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and evening appointments available for families unable to access the service during business hours. Telephone 07494 280063 or email sendiassenfield@centre404.org.uk.
Coram children’s legal centre
Coram Child Law Advice informs parents and carers on the legal position across a range of education law topics so that they are better equipped to deal with challenges they may face.