Improving the attainment of looked after children in primary schools: Guidance for schools

For many children in care, school life can be challenging. They may find it harder to trust adults; their educational experience may have been disrupted; and their capacity to build and maintain friendships may be impaired. They need good schools, with good staff who understand how to support and challenge them.

Good school can provide the stability they need, a safe place in a turbulent world, an opportunity to excel and a route map out of their difficulties into a more positive future.

This guide captures the experience of schools that have worked well to support children in care. It is hoped that spreading their good practice could benefit many more children across the country.