School can be the most constant factor in the lives of children in care. The designated teacher (DT) for CiC is an important resource for both the child and school and is soon to be put on a statutory basis.

A draft of the role and responsibilities can be currently summarised as follows :

• Knowing : keeping a register and progress tracking details and meeting the children in care regularly
• Championing : ensuring the child has access to the curriculum, set challenging targets and participates in extra curricular activities
• Advocating : mediating with other teachers, liaising with other schools and social workers plus checking levels of support and intervention so the child can reach his /her potential
• Monitoring : attendance, exclusions, academic progress
• Celebrating : ensuring achievements are recorded and celebrated.

10 Key Points

1. The DT should have the overview of the progress of each C in C and is responsible for overseeing the Personal Education Plan within the required time scales.
2. The DT should understand the role of schools as corporate parent and have insight into the care experience for the child.
3. The DT is expected to challenge any negative attitudes towards C in C and uphold principles of high expectations and inclusion.
4. Prior to the admission into school of a C in C an induction meeting should be convened by the DT and attended by all parties. Plans, targets, agreements etc should be drawn up involving the child.
5. The DT should be available to listen to children in care and ensure action is taken to support them in their education..
6. The DT has a central role in an education placement and where movement is inevitable they have the responsibility to ensure this is as smooth as possible and minimise disruption.
7. The DT is pivotal in raising awareness sensitively of all school staff to the needs of children in care. This advocating function is also with other agencies.
8. The DT should be able to transfer information appropriately between relevant agencies understanding protocols for effective inter professional communication and confidentiality
9. DTs should have good relationships with carers and social worker and updated within statutory timescales.
10. DTs should receive ongoing training support in their role.

Dates for Designated Teacher Forum

• Feb 6th 2008
• April 9th 2008
• May 7th 2008
• June 11th 2008

All from 4pm to 5.30pm