Children in Care with SEND

We have a Designated Teacher for Children in Care (CIC), Mrs Claire Baker who is also the Assistant Head Teacher and SENCO. Mrs Baker works closely with the Virtual School Head (VSH) who is there to ensure effective systems are in place for CIC.

A significant amount of children may be undiagnosed when they enter care and we work quickly and effectively to assess any undiagnosed SEN to ensure that they are addressed as quickly as possible.

Mrs Baker works closely with all staff to ensure they understand the implications for CIC with SEN. CIC with SEN are supported in school and have a Support Plan which is reviewed every term. All CIC have a statutory Care Plan, which is drawn up and reviewed by the Local Authority that looks after them. The Personal Education Plan (PEP) is a legal part of the Care Plan; which is a statutory requirement for CIC in education provision. Mrs Baker ensures that CIC have a PEP, which is also reviewed every term.

The Support Plan and the PEP should complement each other. If a CIC with SEN requires further assessment for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) we are particularly aware of the need to avoid any delays for CIC and carry out the EHC needs assessment in the shortest possible timescale. Addressing a CIC’s SEN will be a crucial part of avoiding any breakdown in their school and or care placement.