Children who live in kinship care have better outcomes than children who grow up in other types of non-parental care. However, their outcomes fall behind those children with no social worker involvement. The exceptional circumstances that lead to children not living with their birth parents are often associated with adverse childhood experiences and trauma. The effects of these can become a barrier to their learning. Although these children are now living in safe, loving homes; it is important to remember that this does not eliminate their past experiences, which can have a lasting impact, particularly at school. Teachers and schools have a pivotal role in supporting the academic, social and emotional needs of children living in kinship care arrangements.
Whilst VSK’s strategic role does not require direct intervention with kinship children and their carers, we are working with schools and professionals around their understanding of the needs of children placed in all types of kinship placements, including those in informal arrangements.
This short poem from the Kinship charity highlights the importance of kinship carers #ValueOurLove Poem (youtube.com)
We are proud to be part of supporting these families and the amazing schools that their children go to.
Key Actions for schools are to:
- Be aware of the additional needs that these children may have, ensuring trauma informed practices and relational approaches are embedded into school ethos and practices.
- Signpost carers for additional support when needed, for example Kinship Charity, PAC-UK Special Guardianship Support Service, KCC Kinship Team etc. Encourage families to reach out to their local Kinship Support Group.
Key actions for the Virtual School Head are to:
- Raise awareness of the needs and disadvantage of children in different types of kinship care arrangements.
- Promote practice that supports attendance and engagement of kinship children in education.
- Promote practice that improves the educational attainment of children in kinship care.
VSKAT Advice
The VSK Advisory Team are now able to offer direct advice to carers with children under formal kinship arrangements only – those with a Special Guardianship or Child Arrangements Order.
We are also able to advise schools and education settings regarding children with formal kinship arrangements, providing you have carers consent.
Whilst we are unable to offer advice for ‘informal’ kinship arrangements, carers can contact Homepage - Kinship - The kinship care charity for advice. VSK are also able to speak to schools for general cohort discussions, so whilst we would be unable to speak about an individual child, we will be able to signpost the school to resources, training and other organisations that could support children living in informal kinship arrangements.
EPKC Meetings
Following the success and countywide use of EPPLAC (Education Plan for Previously Looked After Children) within schools, we advise schools to hold regular EPKC (Education Plan for children living in Kinship Care) meetings for any children living in a kinship arrangement within their school. The meetings are invaluable in terms of finding out the needs of the child, so that you can plan and support them in the most effective way. By understanding how they present at home, at school and what additional challenges they may face allows education settings to support them to reach their full potential. Understanding the children living in kinship care cohort can then inform the planning around the school’s pupil premium strategy, staff training and school development plans. Further information and guidance can be found on out EPKC webpage.
Whilst Designated Teachers do not have a formal responsibility for children living in kinship care arrangements (unless they are previously looked after by a local authority), it would be advisable for them to have an overview of this cohort as the work they do for looked after and previously looked after children will no doubt support this cohort. They will be able to support staff in their understanding around any issues the children may have, such as the emotional, psychological and social effects of loss and separation (attachment awareness) from birth families and how children may have difficulties in building relationship of trust with adults because of their experiences. They will also have a good understanding of the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences and knowledge of training and strategies to help staff support children repair from these experiences.
Please visit our VSKAT information webpage to find our more about our service and how to contact us.
Further Information
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Kinship Fostering Service - Information about support to kinship carers
Who to contact for advice
Please note we are happy to give general advice however if you wish to discuss an individual case please complete the initial contact form, ensuring that you have permission from the parents first.