22
Not Addressed
We have highlighted the need for clear sanctions for schools who refuse to admit looked-after...
Recommendation
We have highlighted the need for clear sanctions for schools who refuse to admit looked-after pupils, enforced through the impact on the school’s Ofsted judgement. We have also highlighted the need for much quicker decisions to be made by the Schools Adjudicator when the admissions code is breached. And the new backstop power set out in the White Paper would give local authorities the power to automatically place a child in an academy. Together, these measures would tilt the system in favour of looked-after children, ensuring they can access the best schools, without suffering delays to their education. (Paragraph 59) Educational poverty: how children in residential care have been let down and what to do about it 47
Government Response Summary
The government responds by restating existing policy that looked-after children have priority in school admissions and statutory guidance advises prioritizing schools judged 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. It does not address the recommendations for clear sanctions, quicker Schools Adjudicator decisions, or a new backstop power.
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
As set out in the response to other recommendations above, looked-after children have priority in school admissions and statutory guidance for VSHs states that, when arranging a looked after child’s education placement, schools judged by Ofsted to be ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ should be prioritised. There may be circumstances where it may be more appropriate that a looked after child is not placed in a school judged by Ofsted to be ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, for example, where a school judged ‘Requiring Improvement’ is evidenced to be providing high-quality support to its vulnerable pupils. However, the guidance is clear that unless there are exceptional evidence-based reasons, looked after children should never be placed in a school judged by Ofsted to be ‘Inadequate’.
Source
Committee
Education Committee
Inquiry
Children's Homes
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.1 yrs
Report published
08 Jul 2022