Previously looked-after children (PLAC)

Previously looked-after children are those who are no longer looked after by a local authority in England and Wales because they are the subject of an adoption, special guardianship or child arrangements order; or they were adopted from ‘state care’ outside England and Wales.

What are the most frequently-asked-questions from parents and carers about education?
Who is considered a previously looked-after child (PLAC)?
Who is eligible for support?
How can I contact the East Riding of Yorkshire Council virtual school educational advocate for PLAC?
Are there other providers of support for PLAC?

What are the responsibilities of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council virtual school for previously looked-after children?

The role of the virtual school head (VSH) for previously looked-after children (PLAC) is to promote their educational achievement through the provision of information and advice to their parents, educators and others who the VSH considers necessary.

Who is considered a PLAC?

‘State care’ is care provided by a public authority, a religious organisation, or any other organisation whose sole or main purpose is to benefit society.

Who is eligible for support?

Support is available from the point at which the child becomes eligible for free early education, which is currently the start of the term following a child’s second birthday, and concludes when they have completed statutory education.

The duty relates to previously looked-after children who are in an education provision in the area served by the VSH irrespective of where the child lives.

Support is available to the following groups:

Adoptive parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child
Providers of early education
Designated teachers of maintained schools, academies and alternative learning provisions in the East Riding
Adoption team.