Use of Boarding Schools for Vulnerable Children on the Edge of...
Commenting on Lord Nash’s letter asking for DCSs views on the use of boarding schools for vulnerable children on the edge of care, Andrew Christie, Chair of the ADCS Health, Care and Additional Needs Policy Committee, said:
“Local authorities work with vulnerable children and young people and their families to secure the best possible life chances. Our experience shows that in some instances state or independent boarding schools can provide a strong foundation for life for some children, perhaps as an alternative to care. However, the needs of children in care are very varied. For the majority of those that enter care when young, a return home, adoption or permanent placement with a family member is likely to be the best option. The greatest number enter care aged 14 plus, often with very complex needs which boarding schools may just not be designed to meet.
“Recent research, from the Rees Centre for Research in Fostering and Education and the University of Bristol, has identified that some children and young people who remain on the edge of care achieve less well than those in care. So offering a secure nurturing environment combined with a strong education offer that secures positive outcomes can only be positive for the child and their family. We welcome the opportunity for local authorities to contribute to the development of thinking in this area.”
ENDS
The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) Ltd is the professional leadership association for Directors of Children’s Services and their senior management teams in England.
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