Children looked after (CLA) in year admissions (non EHCP)

How to apply for an in-year admission for a looked after child to a school in Lancashire who does not have an education health and care plan (EHCP).

For a CLA with an EHCP, contact the Inclusion Service.

For CLA starting Reception or Year 7 as part of the usual school transition process, apply through the standard admissions arrangements.

Working together and starting conversations early can help ensure children access education as quickly as possible.

Everyone involved has a role in helping make this happen, including:

• the virtual school

• social workers

• carers

• schools

• pupil access teams

Before requesting a school place, social workers, carers and virtual school staff should contact schools directly. They should view school websites and gather information about local schools.

This gives everyone the opportunity to:

• arrange a visit to the school.

• discuss the child's needs and circumstances (including exam boards if in KS4)

• understand the school's provision and expectations

• explore whether the school is the right fit for the child

These conversations should be open, honest and child-centred. They are an important part of achieving a successful transition into a new school.

The virtual school admissions officer (VSAO) can share information about numbers on roll and CLA numbers. This information may help in understanding a school's capacity to meet a child's need. To speak to the VSAO, ask the Pupil Access Office for the contact details.

After choosing one school, the social worker should complete the In Year Admission CLA form (DOCX 84KB).

Email the form to the relevant Pupil Access Office together with:

• the child's most recent personal education plan (PEP)

• any available background information

Answer all questions with as much information as possible. Delays may occur if the form is completed incorrectly and if background documents are not submitted with the request.

Only the social worker has the authority to complete these documents. The form must be signed and dated by the social worker and virtual school representative. Any documents sent in by other parties will not be considered.

Pupil Access Office contacts

• North (Lancaster, Wyre and Fylde):
  pupilaccessteam.north@lancashire.gov.uk

• East (Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale):
  pupil.accesseast@lancashire.gov.uk

• South (Preston, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Chorley):
  southadmissions@lancashire.gov.uk

The virtual school admissions officer, will then contact the preferred school to support the progression of the application.

Although the virtual school admission officer (and Lancashire Virtual School) cannot advise schools on admissions decisions, they can:

• provide an overview of children who are looked after placements across the county

• support communication between professionals

• help ensure applications are progressed without unnecessary delay

• promote the educational interests of children who are looked after throughout the process

As per the Department for Education School's Admission Code, children who are looked after have the highest admissions priority.

To support timely school admissions, schools are asked to:

• acknowledge requests within 5 school days

• arrange visits or meetings within 10 school days

• work collaboratively with carers, social workers, the Virtual School and other professionals

• confirm a start date as soon as possible

• aim for the child to be on roll and attending within 20 school days

Once the IYA form and PEP have been received, the Pupil Access Office will:

• process the request

• gather any required background information, if not submitted with the form

• refer the application to the virtual school admissions officer

For questions about the admissions process, contact the relevant Pupil Access Office (see step 2 above).