Age related achievements of adopted children (FOI)

Request

There is growing evidence that adopted children’s early experiences continue to have an impact on their outcomes long after they move to their adoptive families:

A

In 2014 the Department for Education (DfE) published data showing that 49% of adopted and permanently placed achieved age related expectations in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2, compared with 45% of children in care and 75% of children living with their birth families. What equivalent data or educational outcomes are collected on adopted children in Jersey, I would like to see a copy of this and where is this published.

B

In the U.K. the DfE introduced Pupil Premium Plus for reception aged children adopted from care. In doing this, the DfE acknowledged the enduring impact of trauma and loss in children's lives and the key role of schools in supporting children who have had a difficult start in life. Pupil premium plus is currently £2,300 per child per year. Does Jersey have a current equivalent and if so how much is this per child and how is it distributed?

C

Why are adopted children not afforded the same priority status as looked after children for their choice of primary schools in Jersey as they are in the U.K. and are there plans to address this gap?

D

What education is available to teachers in Jersey in order for them to support children adopted from care?

E

DfE states that 72% of those adopted in 2013 to 2014 entered care due to abuse or neglect. Their needs do not change overnight and they do not stop being vulnerable just because they are in a loving home. Their experiences in early life can have a lasting impact which can affect the child many years after adoption. They believe that teachers and schools have a vital role to play in helping these children emotionally, socially and educationally by providing specific support, to raise their attainment and address their wider needs. What if anything is the Education Department doing to support adopted children in Jersey?

Response

A

The Department does not hold a comprehensive data set at this time for the attainment of adopted children. Adoptive parents do not always choose to inform the school of their child’s status and therefore it may not always be known if a child has been adopted.

B

The Jersey Premium is an equivalent scheme to the Pupil Premium which is available in the UK. The Jersey Premium rate for 2019 is £2,000 each year for Looked After Children and Post-Looked After Children. The funding for Post-Looked After Children is provided to the Government of Jersey maintained schools on a termly basis. The school decides how the money is spent to improve the child’s educational outcomes. Further information is available at the following link:

Jersey Premium 

C

The Department for Children, Young, People, Education and Skills make every effort to accommodate children in their chosen primary schools. The Department works closely with professionals to ensure that children that could be considered vulnerable or in need are given priority for admissions.

D

Every school has access to training in relation to trauma and attachment, along with a number of other courses related to vulnerable children and young people.

E

The Children and Young People’s Plan and the Common Strategic Policy outlines the Government of Jersey’s commitment to all children and young people. Along with the additional Jersey Premium funding and training for schools, there are various specialist professionals in areas such as educational psychology and wellbeing, education welfare, family support work and social, emotional and mental health. Further information about these services can be found here:

Children and Young People’s Plan 2019 to 2023

Common Strategic Policy 2018 to 2022

Support for children with special educational needs

Children who are Looked After or become Post-Looked After each have a Personal Education Plan (PEP). The plan details how a school can improve the child’s educational outcomes and must be in place before Jersey Premium funding is allocated.