Designated Teacher

What is a Designated Teacher?

A Designated Teacher is a qualified teacher within the school/setting. They should have appropriate seniority and professional experience to provide leadership, training, information, challenge and advice to others to influence the teaching and learning needs of children in care and children previously in care.

Why is the role of Designated Teacher important?

It is a statutory requirement that schools/settings have a nominated Designated Teacher. The Designated Teacher's role is to act as an advocate for children in care, support families of children previously in care and take lead responsibility for helping school staff understand the difficulties affecting children in care and how positive systems of support can help to overcome these.

What are key roles and responsibilities of a Designated Teacher?

• Promoting educational achievement - Promote a culture of high expectations and aspirations for how children in care learn 
• Advocacy and support - Make sure the young person has a voice in setting learning outcomes 
• Differentiated teaching strategies - Be a source of advice for staff about differentiated teaching strategies appropriate for individual children and in making full use of Assessment for Learning
• Leadership - Make sure children in care are prioritised in school/setting and lead professional development and awareness training for staff
• Personal Education Plans (PEPs) - Have lead responsibility for the development and implementation of the child's Personal Education Plan (PEP) within the school
• Collaboration - Work closely with other teachers, social workers and carers to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting children in care and children previously in care 
• Communication - Maintain open communication with all stakeholders, including staff, parents and external agencies
• Record keeping and reporting - Maintain accurate records of the child's progress and report on their educational needs to relevant parties
• Safeguarding - Ensure that children in care and children previously in care feel safe and supported within the school and know who to go to for help
• Training - Attend training when new to the role and refresh knowledge periodically to stay current with best practices. Although not mandatory, Designated Teachers are encouraged to attend training as regular engagement with this supports effective advocacy for children in care

How can the Designated Teacher further develop their role?

To develop your knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Keep your professional development up to date: attend your local Virtual School CPD sessions, build a library of relevant books for staff or take the time to complete a further qualification
• Work with senior leads to review policies and practices to benefit all children and young people who have experienced adversities due to factors like past trauma, family instability or complex social and emotional challenges
• Raise the profile by regularly leading briefings, staff training and sharing information
• Develop a strategic overview for supporting children in care and children previously in care in your school

What support is available?

• Government Statutory Guidance 2018 - The designated teacher for looked-after and previously looked-after children
• Adoption UK Charity
• Children in care | NSPCC Learning
• Beacon House
• Trauma Informed Schools UK
• Louise Michelle Bombèr - Touchbase

What support is available from the Norfolk Virtual School?

• All Norfolk Schools have a linked Virtual School Adviser according to their locality area.
  • These are professionals who support the educational needs of children who are in care, previously in care or have a social worker. They work with schools, social workers and foster carers to ensure a positive and successful educational journey. This involves providing advice, guidance and training, as well as monitoring progress and attainment. 
• Bi-annual visits
  • Advisers work with you to review your Virtual School cohorts and consider how to develop practice and promote positive educational outcomes. You will receive a post-visit report which you can share as part of your report to governors or trust leads
• Additional resources
• Pupil Premium Plus (PP+)
• CPD, Networks
• Early Years through to Post-16 support

Key contacts

Website:     Virtual school for children in care and previously in care - Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers

Email:          [email protected]

Phone:         01603 303323