LAC - Torfaen County Council

Torfaen have used our RAISE funding to develop 2 key areas.

1. To increase capacity within the Inclusion service to improve monitoring and data collection.

2. Individual support for young people through tutoring and support packages to raise attainment of pupils at Key Stage 3 and 4.

Summary of Activities to June 2011

• PEP monitoring system in place to ensure all LAC have a high quality PEPs that are reviewed at appropriate times with new targets set.

• Training schedule for Foster Carers, Social Workers, Governors, Elected Members and key school staff.

• Monitor /Tracking of academic progress and attainment of all Looked After Children

• Signpost carers and/or children and young people to other partner services.

• To provide additional tuition/packages of support for young people in Key Stage 4. Developing of tailor made packages for learning /support

• In 2010/11 appointment of a RAISE Activity Coordinator to develop the tuition/activities for Looked After Children in Key stage 4

• Consultation with pupils in Key stage 4 to ensure activities provided remain focused on the education needs of all our young people. Development of 1 page profile for each learner.

• Rapid response service to schools regarding concerns over attendance, level of engagement and also potential education placement breakdown.

• Clear lines of contact for social workers and foster carers with education

• Close liaison with Education Welfare service to monitor attendance and truancy monitoring

• Improved use of data for all pupils KS2 to KS4 to identify pupils who were underachieving or needed support.

• Pupils have been provided with revision guides and resources so help them with their studies.

Impact/Future

• Children requesting extra tuition/individual packages of support have increased and now included pupils who attend PRU and SNRB

• Torfaen’s data monitoring systems and knowledge about our children and how they are performing towards reaching their potential is improving. It has been possible to target resources specifically at looked after young people in Key Stage 4. This has allowed for very specific interventions to be put in place with a dedicated staff team able to prioritise this particular cohort.

• Training has been provided for Designated Teachers, Social Work staff and Foster Carers to ensure that everyone is working together to best meet the needs of Looked after Pupils.

• Pupil consultation and self-evaluation has led to a pupil focus plan for the future with more emphasis on outcomes.

• Through our support we have been able to recognise that a flexible approach to each pupil needs. Is an essential part of our work. This has led to a focused approach to the support offered, which is in line with individual pupil need.