School Governors

School governors have an important role to play in championing the needs of Looked After Children on their roll. They can ensure that designated teachers and other relevant staff understand how to actively support local authorities in promoting the educational achievement of looked After Children. In particular, they can ensure that the needs of looked After Children are reflected in the school's development plan and self-evaluation.

Governing bodies of all maintained schools are required to appoint a Designated Teacher to promote the educational achievement of Looked After Childrren in their school.

The Role of the Governing Body

They must ensure that the Designated Teacher undertakes appropriate training and is suitably qualified to undertake the role

• Governors must ensure that the Designated teacher has the support necessary to undertake the role and that the Designated Teacher is able to ensure that other staff have received training and support required
• As a minimum governors must consider an annual report from the designated teacher containing the information described in section 2.10 of the guidance which can be found below.
• The governing body and school leadership team is expected to consider this report and act on any issues it raises so as to support the Designated Teacher and maximise the impact of the role,

DFE The Roles and Responsibilities of a Designated Teacher for Looked After Children (Nov 2009)