Ofsted has published new research examining how schools and colleges support children in care in England. The research involved surveys and focus groups with inspectors as well as research visits to schools and colleges. Findings show: flexible, inclusive approaches helped leaders to support the individual needs of children in care effectively; effective communication between home and school or college helped children in care make consistent progress; moving to new carers or leaving care disrupted educational progress; and differences in local authority processes created frustrations for schools and colleges. Ofsted is calling for ongoing, specialist training for staff and early transition planning, with clear pathways to education, employment or training.
Read the research: How schools and colleges support the academic and personal progress of children in care
Source: Ofsted
Date published: 12 March 2026
