Designated Teachers in schools and education settings

The main responsibilities of Designated Teachers are to:

• be a central point of contact within the school
• promote a whole school culture where the learning needs of children in care (CiC) and children previously in care (CPiC) matter and the personal, social, emotional, and academic needs of these cohorts are prioritised
• ensure all school staff understand the impacts of trauma, separation, and loss on children and how these experiences can impact the learning and behaviour of vulnerable pupils in school
• lead on the creation of good Personal Education Plans (PEPs), working with colleagues to assess the specific developmental and educational needs of individuals in care and using SMART targets/Pupil Premium Plus funds to tackle barriers to learning and accelerate progress
• contribute to the development and review of whole school policies and procedures (including school admissions and support for new starters around transition, the use of Pupil Premium Plus to reflect the needs of CiC and CPiC, and ensuring these children get individualised careers advice)
• champion the voice of children in care and children previously in care

More detailed information about the Designated Teacher’s role is available here:

• The designated teacher for looked-after and previously looked-after children (publishing.service.gov.uk) (PDF)
• Promoting the education of looked-after children and previously looked-after children (publishing.service.gov.uk) (PDF)