Service Description: LACES is the Isle of Wight Children’s Services Looked after Children’s Education Service. LACES are a small team working to improve the educational attainment and participation of children and young people in public care. LACES provide support, advice, information and training to Social Workers, Designated Teachers and Parents/Carers. The team also provide targeted support to children and young people in care.
Also known as:- LACES
Answer: Young people and children in care are among the most vulnerable in schools. Many have experienced tremendous personal upheaval and are suffering from confusion and stress arising from physical or sexual abuse, neglect, rejection, bereavement or family breakdown. National research and inspection has highlighted the important factors which work against the success of looked after children at school. In the past, carers, teachers and social workers have not given sufficient priority to looked after children’s educational progress and attainment, tending to focus more on issues relating to their care plan, parental contact and the relationship with their extended family. The Isle of Wight Council recognises that looked after children’s needs will be better met if all the agencies supporting them work together. The Isle of Wight Council have developed a specialist Looked After Children’s Education Service (LACES) with qualified teachers and support staff. At local education authority (LEA) level, information is collected about the achievement of looked after children so that their progress can be tracked and monitored. - Related Link