Education of
Children Living in Care
Education is our Future
Getting Help
In school
Each school in Bexley has a designated
teacher/teachers for children living
in care whose role is to monitor progress and co-ordinate support within school.
They are a good starting point if you have any concerns.
More information about the various roles
and responsibilities (98Kb, pdf file) can be found in the handbook.
You may also wish/prefer to approach the class teacher or form tutor who
may have more direct dealings with your child.
If you have any concerns don't keep them to yourself as it makes them
more difficult to address. Remember, your interest in a child's progress
is critical to their success. Good home-school relationships are a real investment
in your child's future.
Out of school
Contact your child's social worker or your supervising social worker
to discuss children's progress and any concerns. The education team is
also there to offer advice and guidance however small you may feel the question.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Look at SEN within Section 9 of the Education
of Children Living in Care Handbook for more information on the SEN Code
of Practice, support mechanisms in school and the process of Statutory Assessment
and the issue of a Statement of SEN.
Visit the SEN Support Service section
for more specific information on the role of the Bexley Team.
Refer to statutory school age section for more information
on attendance, transition, behaviour, bullying, exclusions and support for learning.
Financial support
Bexley Pupil and Student Finance Team
can advise on criteria for school uniform grants, travel permits, post 16 funding
etc.
SEN Team will advise on travel arrangements funded through
any Statement of SEN.
Some other useful agencies who can offer support
Connexions Service support
children and young people of 13-19 with careers advice and through personal advisers.
![[External link]](../../../images/navext.gif) SOVA (Supporting
Others through Voluntary Action) - are an independent agency who provide mentoring
support for young people aged 11 - 21 on referral. This is given by trained volunteer
mentors from local communities. In addition SOVA provides appropriate adult support
to young people at Bexleyheath Police Station, and delivers a successful parent's
support network.
The Looked After Children's Rights Officer (CRO) for Bexley
looked after children provides an advocacy service, promotes consultation with
children and young people and seeks to provide an independent visitor service.
An education advocacy service is also provided by the Children's Legal
Centre. Visit www.childrenslegalcentre.com for
more information.
Youth Engagement Service (YES) support Bexley children
of 13-19 years directly and through brokering services.
Youth Offending
Team (YOT) focus on young people in care aged between 10 and 17 who are offending,
or at risk of offending.
The Bexley Moorings Project are an independent charity who offer befriending
and other services to children from 8 upwards. A referral is usually made through
the child's social worker.
Training
The education team provide generic training for foster carers,
social workers and designated teachers and are happy to involve other interested
people.
The team is also keen to develop their training programme so welcome interest
and ideas for specific groups or individuals.
Please ring extension 0208 303 7777 ext. 3855 for details of the next training
session and/or with your suggestions.
Support Materials
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