LAC - Flintshire County Council

Proposal 2008-09

The proposal for 2008—2011 RAISE LAC funding is to continue with the same strategy as previously. The role of School Improvement Coordinator is now established.

• The profile of looked after children is regarded highly in the LEA and Schools.
• Communication between the SIC LAC, Social Workers and carers is positive.  This is ongoing and progressive.
• The role of the 14 – 19 Learning Mentors is proving invaluable.  

Addition to the original proposal;

• Due to the increased performance management monitoring and feedback requirements, a temporary post of LAC Administrator has been created.  This is currently one day per week.  To be reviewed quarterly.

Summary of Proposal

To vest responsibility for raising the achievement of LAC within a single post – LAC School Improvement Co-ordinator.

• Post will be part of School Improvement Service and will report to Behaviour Improvement Service.
• Bid links into parallel development utilising Learning Pathways funding to appoint a LAC Learning Coach at KS4.
• Main duties of LACSIC are:
  • Offer study support with emphasis on Yrs 9-11.
  • Train teachers and teaching assistants to enable support of individual LAC, identifying special issues.
  • Train individual social workers and foster carers to facilitate educational support.
  • Liaison with ICT advisory services to provide learning support.
  • Better monitoring to enable intervention.
  • Development of home-school links.
  • Collaboration with FE institutions and other partners.
  • Liaison with BST, parent and LAC on behaviour support/management.
  • Assistance for LA in PRUs or other out-of-school provision to facilitate reintegration.

Summary of Activities to July 2007

Combined some Children First with RAISE funding to purchase:

• music & drama lessons
• examination and pre-performance practices
• Easter Revision School
• study guides & text books
• 5 desk top computers to practise ICT skills
• 4 laptops to aid with course work completion
• a musical instrument
• after school tuition
• tool kits for vocational studies (hair & beauty + catering)
• Educational trips for LAC living with parents.

The RAISE grant was used to fund the LACE post to enable the officer to be relieved of IRO duties.

Impact

• The young people sitting exams all achieved as predicted
• The GCSE results were outstanding for 5 young people
• Raised self esteem
• 10 young people at Key Stage 4 went onto Further Education
• The young person with 11 GCSE’s also gained Grade 7 in flute and is now playing piccolo & piano
• Better awareness & raised profile of  children  looked after in schools
• individual teachers taking an active interest in  tracking  pupils
• All children in the alternative curriculum including PRU & home tuition, attained at Key Stage 4