The designated teacher should be a central point of initial contact within the school. This helps to make sure that the school meets its responsibilities, minimising disruption to a child’s learning.
The most effective designated teachers promote educational achievement for both looked-after children and previously looked-after children.
The designated teacher needs to raise awareness among other staff of the particular emotional and academic needs of looked-after children by doing the following:
- Ensuring teachers have high expectations for learning and know how to accelerate progress and fill gaps where necessary.
- Making sure teachers are aware of the social, emotional and psychological effects children can experience when removed from their birth family, and the impact this can have on behaviour.
- Understanding the importance of treating children in this group as individuals and listening to their voice.
- Ensuring that behaviour policies meet the needs of looked-after children.
Day-to-day responsibilities
The designated teacher’s day-to-day responsibilities cover liaison with parents, the Virtual School, and other professionals, and ensuring that targets are monitored and achieved. These responsibilities include:
- Ensuring targets in the Personal Education Plan (PEP) are met.
- Making sure transitions are supported and are positive.
- Ensuring inductions are effective.
- Acting as a source of advice for teachers – for example around teaching strategies.
- Working directly with social care, carers and parents to meet the needs of the child.
- Making sure Pupil Premium Plus funding is being used effectively.