Learning with Care: The Education of Children Looked after Away from Home by Local Authorities in Scotland

Abstract

This article by Kirstie Maclean and MoragGunion outlines the findings of a recent inspection in Scotland of the educational experiences of looked after children. It considers assessment, care planning and review; attendance arrangements; progress, attainment and support for learning; personal and social development; carers' support for learning; working in partnership; and policies, management and quality assurance. The methodology of the inspection was influenced by previous research and comparison is made between the inspection's main findings and the broader research evidence. Conclusions are drawn about the need for further development.

In, out and after care: Young adults' views on their lives, as children, in a therapeutic residential establishment

“…The third major factor raised in the literature -but not in our research -is the instability of the care system and the effect this has upon educational stability (Happer, McCreadie and Aldgate, 2006;McAuley and Bunting, 2006). Other researchers have distinguished a whole series of more specific factors that can contribute towards LAC's negative experience at school (Francis, 2008;Harker, Dobel-Ober, Lawrence, Berridge and Sinclair, 2003;MacLean and Gunion, 2003). Harker et al, for instance, cite mid-term arrival, uncomfortable questions from other children and having to cope with on-going emotional distress.…”

Fostering and Adoption in Scotland: 1980–2010

“…This prompted an inspection of the education of children looked after away from home undertaken by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education and the Social Work Services Inspectorate. Some evidence was found that children's experiences and outcomes, although not good enough, were not as poor as expected (Maclean and Gunion, 2003). The two inspectorates and the Scottish Government commissioned a number of studies and development materials (eg Connelly, 2003;Connelly et al, 2003;Hudson et al, 2003) This has been followed up by two Scottish Government guides (Scottish Executive, 2007;Scottish Government, 2008) setting out how we 'can and must do better' in the education of looked after children and also the roles and responsibilities of corporate parents.…”

The Need for Information on How the Attachment Difficulties of Adopted and Looked after Children Affect their Schooling

“…A recent Barnardo's study, Failed by the System (2006), found that the school experiences of looked after children fell far short of those not in care, highlighting problems for the former of frequent moves, changes of school and bullying. In Scotland, Maclean and Gunion (2003) reported on an inspection (by HM Inspectors of Schools and Social Work Services Inspectorate) of the educational experiences of looked after children, in which they compared their observations with available research. While optimistic about a range of new services and developments, they concluded that much of the progress in the last decade, including in the UK, was partial and piecemeal.…”