We have a Designated Teacher for Looked after Children (CLA), Mrs Helen Beattie (Deputy Head teacher) who works closely with the acting SENCO, Mrs Armstrong, to ensure all teachers in school understand the implications for those children who are looked after and have SEN.
Mrs Beattie and Mrs Armstrong work closely with the Virtual School Head (VSH) who are there to ensure effective systems are in place for CLA. A significant amount of children may be undiagnosed when they begin to be looked after and we work quickly and effectively to assess any undiagnosed SEN to ensure that they are addressed as quickly as possible.
They work closely with all CLA with SEN and with all staff to ensure that they understand the implications for these pupils. CLA with SEN are supported in school and have a Support Plan which is reviewed every term. All CLA have a Personal Education Plan (PEP), which is drawn up and reviewed every term. The Support Plan and the PEP should complement each other. If a CLA with SEN requires further assessment for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) we are particularly aware of the need to avoid any delays for CLA and carry out the EHC needs assessment in the shortest possible timescale.