Conservative MP Robert HalfonResidential care is rarely a first option for children. Often, it is the most vulnerable children with the most complex and challenging needs who are placed in residential care.
The Education Committee, which I chair, has released a new report into residential care which found a number of unacceptable system-failings lead to poor education outcomes for children in care. For all we know, this could be the tip of the iceberg. The Department for Education’s data is so poor that, as we were told: “If you ask anyone how many children in care are missing education within the country currently, no one would be able to tell you.”
Indeed, there’s statutory guidance clearly stating that schools rated Good and Outstanding by Ofsted should be prioritised for looked-after children. Our committee has identified key recommendations which would put the system on the children’s side. First, sanctions are desperately needed for councils that place children in unregulated education or allow children to be left without a school place.Capped Ofsted ratings should be leveraged on those councils that leave their children out in the cold.
The needs of looked-after pupils do not suddenly cease to exist when they turn 16. It is wrong that the funding is just switched off.Without the right data on where children in care are being educated, how much education they are missing, and what kind of education they are receiving, the government will continue to fight this issue in the dark.Finally, the private owners of care homes need to be taken on.