Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure children in care are not moved during (a) exam periods and (b) other critical periods in their education.

The government recognises the critical importance of continuity and stability throughout a looked-after child’s life. Under the ‘Care planning, placement and case review’ guidance and regulations, the child’s allocated social worker should do everything possible to minimise disruption to their education. This should include the involvement of the local authority’s virtual school head. School changes should be minimised, and any necessary transitions well planned and supported. Where a change to a looked-after child’s educational arrangements is unavoidable, their Personal Education Plan should set out arrangements to minimise disruption to education and training, especially during exam periods and other critical periods in their education.