In May 2000, the Government issued “Education of Young People in Public Care”. This document, published jointly by the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Employment, stated clearly that, “Children in public care are our children. We hold their future in our hands, and education is the key to that future.”

This guidance aims to ensure that these children “get the education they need and deserve”.

Statutory Elements Of The Guidance:

• Every school must have a Designated Teacher to act as an advocate for young people in care
• Each young person in care must have a Personal Education Plan (PEP)
• Local Authorities must have a protocol for sharing information between agencies involved with a young person in care
• Care placements are only to be made when education is secured -except in emergency situations
• All young people in public care must have educational arrangements in place within 20 school days