The government wants attendance at school for looked after children to be an ‘offer’ rather than a mandatory requirement for looked after children to attend school, and as many children as possible should stay at home. In common with some other local authorities, the decision as to whether it is in a child in cares’ best interest to go to school or remain at home will be made by social workers in consultation with foster carers. Carers and social workers should also consult schools on the decision and liaise with them to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
Pupils who are absent from school during this period or as a result of self-isolation will be coded ‘Y’, meaning “unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances” and their attendance record will be unaffected as these codings are not classified as absences.