RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS- How schools and colleges support the academic and personal progress of children in care

Ofsted has released new research exploring how schools and colleges in England support children in care.

The study included surveys and focus groups with inspectors, alongside visits to education settings.

The findings highlight that flexible and inclusive approaches enable leaders to effectively meet the individual needs of children in care. Strong communication between home and school or college was shown to support consistent progress, while changes in carers or leaving care often disrupted education. The research also found that variations in local authority processes can create challenges for schools and colleges. Ofsted recommends ongoing specialist staff training and early transition planning, with clear pathways into education, employment, or training.

Read the research here