Kinship care and support with education

01 ‘Free childcare’ for working parents’ scheme

30 hours per week of free childcare may be available for children aged 9 months to 4 years. Eligibility depends on whether their carer is working and the carer’s income. They may also be eligible if their carer’s partner is working and their carer is in receipt of a certain benefit or on unpaid carer leave.

02 ‘Universal offer’ childcare scheme

15 hours per week of free pre-school education is available to all children aged 3 or 4. This is available regardless of whether the carer or their carer’s partner is working or what their income is.

03 ‘Extra support’ childcare scheme

15 hours of free childcare may be available for some two-year-olds, if they or their carer are receiving “extra support.” Low income and whether a child is looked after in the care system (or was previously) are examples of extra support.

04 When do children have to attend school?

In England, children aged five or above must receive some form of education. Most children start school in the school year in which they turn five. Children must continue in education or training until they are 18.

It is possible for children not to attend school, but they must still receive full-time education. For example, through home schooling by a parent, carer or with tutors.

05 Will there be a school place available?

The rules (criteria) about school admission can vary depending on the local areas or school. How close the child lives to the school may be relevant. Whether they have a brother or sister already at the school may be relevant too. Some schools also prioritise children with special medical or social needs.

06 What is priority school admission?

State-funded schools must give top priority for places to:

• Children looked after in the care system – that includes children in kinship foster care
• Children previously in the care system, now living in kinship care under child arrangements, special guardianship or residence orders.

Other kinship children may be eligible if they meet other criteria. For example, if they have a current Education health and care plan.

07 Infant free school meals

Free infant school meals are available for all school children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2.

After Year 2, available for some children qualify for free school meals if their carer is on low income or in receipt of certain benefits.

08 Will teachers understand kinship care?

Some teachers and other school staff will know more about kinship care than others. Their level of understanding and experience of kinship care they have can vary.

They may not be aware of the different types of kinship care arrangements that exist. They may not know the precise situation of a child who is being raised in kinship care. And they might be unsure of how to respond if the child’s parent(s) visits or contacts the school.

It is really important that parents and kinship carers explain to the school the child’s situation. It can be a good idea to discuss this with the headteacher, class teacher or head of year. And with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator if the child has/may have additional needs.

See page 10 of Advice sheet 2i) Childcare, schooling and education: Information for kinship carers for examples of the things you may want to raise with the school.

09 What is Pupil Premium Plus?

Pupil Premium Plus is government funding which aims to improve educational outcomes of certain children. It is for:

Children who are looked after in the care system – including children in kinship foster care.

Children who were previously looked after in the care system but are now cared for under a child arrangements order, special guardianship order or residence order.

Pupil premium plus is provided to, and managed by, schools. The local Virtual School Head role decides how to best spend Pupil Premium Plus funding.

10 What is a Designated Teacher?

Each state school in England is required to have a Designated Teacher. Their role is to promote the educational attainment of children who are looked after in the care system – including those living in kinship foster carer. They should also promote the educational attainment of children who used to be looked after in the care system but who are now cared for under either a:

Child arrangements order, Special guardianship order or residence order.

11 What is a Virtual School Head?

Every local authority is required to have a Virtual School Head – sometimes called the ‘VSH’ for short. Their role is to champion, track and monitor the education of children who are in the care system. And those who were previously, looked after in the care.

12 Children with special education needs and disabled children

Local councils must publish information about the support and services available in the local area for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. And the support and services available for their families.

This should be set out in one place within a Special Educational Needs and Disability local offer.

13 What help is available for further and higher education?

Bursaries may be available for children from kinship families. Children’s services will have duties to provide advice and assistance if a child is looked after in the care system or was previously.

For more detailed information and advice take a look at

Advice sheet 2i) Childcare, schooling and education: Information for kinship carers.