It is widely acknowledged that effective collaboration between social work and education is essential and that change is needed within care settings and schools. Given the audience for this conference, the messages for schools will be highlighted. The essential task for schools is to establish a system which allows the particular needs of looked after children to be identified, without stigmatising them or compromising confidentiality. Systems need to be in place to ensure quick transfer of records when children change school and to assess whether additional teaching is needed. Several studies have indicated that specific educational input can be effective in helping children escape from disadvantage and that the timing of this can be crucial.
Teachers also have a valuable role in planning for children when a move is planned.
We know from young people that having at least one supportive teacher makes an enormous difference to their confidence and ability to cope within school. Some young people do find it helpful to talk with teachers about personal issues but others emphasise that they want school staff to channel their support into sorting out school issues, such as arranging extra tuition, resolving disputes with other staff or tackling bullying.