Currently the education support team in the North East comprises two educational professionals: Gordon (Education Coordinator) based in North Shields, and Gail (Senior Education Support Worker), based in Darlington.

There is a very wide range of experience, knowledge and skills within the team whose main role is to provide educational support and advice in a host of ways to all carers and young people placed with Team Fostering. Of course, the support we provide depends on need and availability and has to be prioritised. We rely on the foster carers to make sure we know when our help or advice is needed.

As the coordinator, Gordon manages the team and oversees its work. In general, the task of carrying out direct work with children and young people – whether in school or at home – lies with the support workers.

What do we do?

Anything related to education or training falls within the remit of the Education Support team – from children of 3 years of age to young people aged 19.

Education

Gordon and Gail - Education Service

Our Objectives, simply stated, are these:

  • Giving practical help and advice to get the child you look after into an appropriate school, if this is part of the care plan;
  • Visiting prospective schools with you, whenever possible;
  • Helping you fill in admission or appeal forms;
  • Suggesting ideas and resources to help you support your child;
  • Attending and contributing to PEP meetings;
  • Taking part in LAC reviews and other professionals’ meetings as needed;
  • Supporting your child’s academic or social/ emotional needs in school, and if they are out of school e.g. due to an exclusion, or while a school placement is being found;
  • Providing training for you on general and specific educational issues;
  • Writing an education report for carer(s)’ annual reviews, as requested;
  • Helping you to be aware of your child’s entitlements;
  • Helping prepare a child ‘in transition’ from primary to secondary school or any other such school move; and,
  • Answering any questions that you may have, regarding the education of your child

Children - How will we look after you?

We want you to feel valued, and every child we place is special. Our staff will ask your social worker lots of questions about what you like, and we let the foster carers who are going to look after you know. MORE >

Latest News

A child comes into care and needs a foster family every 22 minutes across the UK, the Fostering Network has revealed. The alarming figure highlights the growing pressure on the care system and the scale of the challenge facing fostering services... MORE >

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