Summary
A BBC investigation found that many children in care are not attending school for long periods because schools reject their applications. Issues include a lack of resources and difficulty in meeting the needs outlined in the children's education plans. Some children's homes are trying to address this by creating their own educational facilities.
Key Facts
- Many children in care struggle to get school placements, often being out of school for months or years.
- A report found that 40 out of 49 children's home providers faced challenges in securing school spots.
- Tyler, a 16-year-old in care, has been rejected by 14 schools and has been out of regular education for 18 months.
- Schools say they can't meet the needs listed in Tyler's Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).
- Councils have a legal duty to prioritize these children for school places but face a lack of authority to enforce it.
- The head teachers' union cites "chronic underfunding" as a reason schools cannot always accept these children.
- Some children's homes have opened their own schools to ensure kids receive an education.
- The Children's Homes Association wants local authorities to strengthen their commitment to these children.
