Inclusion of looked after children in education

Abstract

This paper will describe a piece of research carried out in a Scottish local education authority on the inclusion of looked after children. Key themes pertinent to this vulnerable group were identified through data gathered from looked after children; foster carers; education and social work professionals. Key questions will be addressed, such as what inclusion means; what barriers to inclusion can exist; and what factors promote the inclusion of looked after children in schools. This paper concludes with the important messages that we can learn from in order to promote the inclusion of every looked after child and young person in education.

Keywords

• inclusion
• education
• looked after children