Do you get invited to school activities for your child?

[poundedskate7]

Hi, With the children under full care orders, do you as parents get invited to school plays eg pantos at Christmas? Reading online it states..
Yes, parents of looked-after children should be invited to school plays and other extra-curricular activities, as parents with parental responsibility have the same rights as biological parents.

I raised this with the local authority as when under interim we got invited but now they are under full care orders we weren't invited to our youngest childs first school play, they stated it's because the guidelines are strict and not included in the family time either, is this correct, I'm guessing they can do what they want at this stage

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear poundedskate7,

Thank you for your post. Whether parents of looked-after children are invited to school plays would depend on the particular circumstances of that child and family. There may be some children for which it would not be appropriate for their parents to come to their school play, and for others it may be completely appropriate.

The local authority have a duty to promote contact between the child and their parents (see paragraph 15 of schedule 2 of the Children Act 1989) and to allow reasonable contact between them (see section 34 of the Children Act 1989). Statutory guidance highlights how important it is for children to keep in touch with their parents and others in their family: “Contact can be very important in helping children and young people develop their sense of identity and understand their lives and their sense of self” (see paragraph 2.78 of The Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations: Volume 2: care planning, placement and case review.)

The wishes of the child should also be taken into consideration (See sections 22 (4) and (5) of the Children Act 1989).

Ultimately the decision is down to the local authority as they have the majority share of parental responsibility for the child.

You say that you have already raised this with the local authority and have received a response. If you are not happy with the response then you could pursue this by making a formal complaint (see our complaints pages HERE for more advice about this). You should focus on the best interests of the child and could refer to the legislation and statutory guidance I have referenced above. Please see HERE for a table which looks at the law and guidance about contact that applies when a child is looked after in the care system.

You may also find it helpful to look at our website HERE as it has more detailed information about the duties on the local authority to promote and facilitate contact between looked-after children and their families.

I hope that this is helpful,

Best wishes,
Suzie

[poundedskate7]

Hi, not sure that helps as what factors the circumstances that grant parents the joy of attending school plays,

The LA argue it isn't part of the care plans but it doesn't state it is or isn't really and they argue us attending would be classed as another family time, when that is false as you don't get to speak to the children only watch them for an hour or so.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear poundedskate7

Thank you for your further post, I note what you say about the joy of parents attending school plays, but the circumstances mentioned in the previous posts was more about the circumstances for the child and what is in their best interests.

Whilst it would be lovely for you to attend school plays a lot will depend on how this would impact your child seeing you even if no conversation takes place.

In the previous response you were sent links regarding contact and complaints. As you disagree with the local authority’s position, you can make a formal complaint or seek an order from the court regarding contact which includes attendance at school events. The court would look at how this might affect the children and whether it is appropriate and in their best interests. The child’s welfare is always the court’s main consideration.

You can also speak with the independent reviewing officer (IRO) about attending school evens. Part of the IRO’s role is oversight of the care plan and how best the child(ren’s) welfare is considered.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes

Suzie