How schools can support children in foster care

For foster children, school can be a challenging time. Whether they have had to move schools as well as home, or have additional requirements, there are also stereotypes and stigmas they may have to face from their peers and even teachers.

At Beacon Fostering, we strive to support families offering foster care services in the educational journeys of the children they are looking after. Here are some ways in which schools do, and what they can do, to support children in foster care.

Support for transitioning between educational levels

Children who are moving between primary and secondary school, or from secondary school to further education, will require a lot of support and guidance from their foster carers and their new school, to help them adapt to and embrace changes.

There are often induction days before the new school year for those starting secondary school and further education, which give young people an insight into how new levels of education work and what they can expect in their new setting.

Counselling and mentors

Children who have had turbulent backgrounds and experiences will benefit from a school counsellor, who they can talk to about their relationships, feelings and issues they are uncertain about. Similarly, mentor schemes, buddy systems and support groups can create a sense of belonging and security.

SEN support

Schools often have a designated member of staff responsible for coordinating the education of children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).

If you are fostering a child who is neurodivergent, find out who the SEND co-ordinator is and see if you can contact them to see how they are meeting the needs of your child.