Who are our children?

Children In Our Care

We have statutory responsibility to champion positive educational outcomes for all children in our the care of the council. This applies to children aged 2-18, no matter where the live or go to school in the UK.

Every child and young person must have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) each term. This is a legal requirement and forms part of their overall care plan. A PEP should be high quality and achieve the best possible academic and pastoral outcomes. More information about PEPs can be found here.

Children Previously in Our Care/ Previously Looked After (PLAC)

We have a legal duty to provide advice and support to education settings in Darlington. This support is for children who:

have been adopted
have a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) or
have a Child Arrangement’s Order (CAO).

Designated teachers have a duty to oversee the educational achievement of PLAC young people if the school is aware of this. Schools can also receive funding for PLAC young people.

Further information can be found via Adoption Tees Valley [external link] or by emailing [email protected]

Children with a social worker

We have a legal duty to provide clear leadership and support for children with a social worker in every education phase. Our role is to create a culture of high expectations so that every child and young person reach their full potential. This includes children and young people on a Child In Need or Child Protection Plan.