Why online inclusive schooling is a must for foster children ‘out of education’

A period that further compounds the existing learning loss and 18 month attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their mainstream counterparts widened further during the pandemic.

Each time a child is moved to a new foster parent they are typically ‘out of education’ for 8 weeks and subject to further learning loss whilst their new school is being confirmed, which is why we at National Fostering Group are piloting free online ‘inclusive’ schooling, delivered by specialist teachers, to foster children placed in London and the South East.

Fostering agencies participating in the pilot include NFA London, Heath Farm in Whitstable, Ryancare Fostering in Wanstead and Next Step Fostering in Croydon, London. Further to the successful completion of the pilot, we plan to roll out provision nationwide.

So what do we hope to achieve?

In addition to helping local authorities meet their statutory duty to provide 25 hours of schooling per week during the transition period, we hope by offering this free inclusive online educational provision that we can help to level the educational playing field for foster children. Our new real time online school, staffed by specialist teachers for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 children and young people requiring an alternative learning environment, will provide just that. Children in care and those with barriers to learning can find a physical school environment initially too overwhelming; this inclusive online school from Acorn Digital Learning supports them to integrate back into school or post 16 provision.

Looked after children start with the disadvantage of their pre-care experiences and often have special educational needs. All our teachers are trained to recognise and address attachment issues which typically result from an early separation from parents, incidents of trauma and neglect, or an otherwise troubled childhood. They employ a child-centred approach to unlock each pupil’s interests, enthusiasm and future aspirations.

The new online school follows the rhythm of a school day with time-tabled lessons, delivered by teachers trained to identify learning gaps and to prepare each child for a smooth return to their educational provision.

The teachers recognise and nurture the unique nature of each of their students, and together, enable them to make choices, benefit from opportunities and develop the strength of character and resilience to overcome any barriers in their way.

The huge advantage of online provision for this vulnerable group of young people, is the stability and continuity it will bring to their lives amid so much change and uncertainty. As Sir Jim Knight said, ‘nothing should hold children back from achievement’. We are urging all local authorities nationwide to work with us to level the educational playing field and improve the life chances of all looked after children.

Steve Christie is managing director of National Fostering Group, providers of life-changing fostering services for vulnerable children, young people and foster carers alike.