LAC - Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council

RAISE

RAISE funded activities focused on the individual learning pathway of each looked after child, identifying and responding to underachievement, promoting strengths and self esteem. The RAISE database enabled the local authority to use data effectively to target interventions, according to need. We analysed School Improvement Data and consulted with key people, ascertained pupils’ wishes and developed individual needs-led support packages to support learning outcomes and wellbeing.

Activities ranged from:

• Private tuition at Key Stages 2,3,4 and 5

• Help with coursework and exam preparation

• Literacy and numeracy “Catch Up” support in Key Stage 2

• In-class LSA 1:1 support

• Supported transition to secondary school for pupils having difficulties with the demands of the secondary school setting

• Support during out of school periods whilst waiting for a school placement

• Support for those at high risk of exclusion, disaffection and at risk of becoming NEET

• Alternative curriculum provision in the Open Learning Centre and Amelia Farm Trust

• Support for an educational visit

• Revision guides on request

• Stagecoach Drama and Dance membership for those lacking in confidence and self esteem

• Training for Designated Teachers, social workers, foster carers in attachment theory

All learning support packages have been beneficial to pupils, with particularly positive outcomes noted from primary schools. We await GCSE, AS and A level results.

Of particular benefit has been the support offered to pupils and schools of those most at risk of exclusion. Special thanks to the members of the Primary Behaviour Support Team whose commitment and efforts to support our work with LAC have been exemplary.

A very successful therapeutic intervention for one boy was to allow him time out in Amelia Farm Trust assisting on the farm to help him reduce anxiety.

It is a disappointment that it has again proved very difficult to engage in learning some of Key Stage 4 pupils in residential homes who are extremely disaffected. However it was rewarding that one pupil who spent time in Parc Prison during year 11 wanted to accept our offer of Maths tuition whilst in prison.

The RAISE administrator’s role has continued to be invaluable. She has enabled us to use the RAISE database as a performance management tool and has very successfully sustained liaison with schools, foster carers, social workers in and out of county.

Our LSA helped bridge the gap with regard to the monitoring of the individual packages which has been very useful for our overview and evaluation of RAISE.

Next year, we have the additional services of Atlantic College students to provide 1 to 1 literacy support to both primary and secondary schools in Barry.

The profile of Looked After Children has continued to be highlighted by RAISE and educational considerations are being afforded ever increasing weight in placement decisions. The Corporate Parenting Panel, with representation from a looked after young person, is highly supportive of our efforts and keen to hear about any improvements in the educational outcomes of looked after children.

Intended Strategies for the Continuation of Support for LAC

In line with the Vale of Glamorgan’s strategy for vulnerable learners in “Education 2015” we will continue to strive for our looked after children and those leaving care to achieve well and stay engaged. We will also place more emphasis on targeting improving literacy and numeracy in primary schools as identified as a Welsh Government priority.

Our desired strategies will be:

• Primary school literacy and numeracy support to improve Key Stage 2 results in preparation for secondary school transition

• GCSE/AS/A Level tuition to achieve higher grades

• Support for looked after children in and out of county at risk of exclusion to aim for uninterrupted schooling and a reduction of exclusions with a knock-on effect of supporting and maintaining foster placements

• Collaboration with the South East Central Consortium to address out of school provision for Key Stage 4

• Tuition for pupils between placements who are waiting for a school placement

• Emotional, behavioural and learning support packages for those disengaging from school and at risk of becoming NEET

Forthcoming Events

Following the success of our third Awards Evening attended by Gwenda Thomas AM, the Corporate Parenting Panel and many other Elected Members, the next date is already booked for Thursday 24th November in the Memorial Hall, Barry.

Training days are planned for foster-carers to help them support pupils in their learning and targeted support for those who have children receiving Letterbox parcels. Training days for designated teachers and social workers to inform them about the new guidance ‘In Our Hands’ are also planned for the next academic year.

AWARDS EVENING FOR LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN

The third Awards Evening for Looked After Children took place on November 24th 2010 in the Memorial Hall, Barry.

Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Social Care, accepted an invitation to attend from Councillor Dorothy Turner and addressed the audience and presented awards to the children.

As ever, the aim of the evening was to celebrate the successes of Vale of Glamorgan looked after children and those who live in the Vale but originate from other counties. All present had achieved in some way, despite coping with personal stresses and difficulties during the year.

Awards varied from success at GCSE, AS and A level, improvement in effort, achievement or behaviour, coping with disability, achieving in sport despite physical disability or just coping against all odds. 37 children from the age of 5 to 18 were nominated for awards by foster carers, social workers, teachers, LAC nurses and 27 were present to receive them. Those who live too far away received them in school assemblies or privately, according to their wishes. All were given a certificate, a voucher and a medal.

The evening was interspersed with musical items provided by students from Barry Comprehensive, Cardinal Newman and St Richard Gwyn Schools. It was a privilege to listen to such talented and powerful voices! The street dancers from St Richard Gwyn enthralled the audience with their dazzling performance and were due to take part in auditions for Britain’s Got Talent! Their contribution considerably enhanced the ambiance and success of the evening and demonstrated what talent we have in our schools.

Our grateful thanks to the Children and Young People’s Partnership for funding the event. Thanks, too, to all Corporate Parents who attended: Elected Members, colleagues from Learning and Development and Children’s Services who spent the evening with us.

Please address any enquiries to rslade@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk