For Looked After Children, life can be a whirlwind of change. From adjusting to new foster homes to navigating feelings of uncertainty about the future, their lives are often marked by flux. In such circumstances, the importance of providing stability cannot be overstated. While emotional and social support are crucial, education offers another vital anchor — particularly through the structure of setting and working towards achievable goals.
The role of the designated teacher in supporting looked after children
A pivotal figure in supporting Looked After Children within schools is the designated teacher. Every school in the UK is required to appoint a designated teacher to champion the educational needs of children in care. Their role goes beyond standard teaching responsibilities, focusing on ensuring that these children receive the tailored support they need to thrive academically and personally.
Designated teachers are instrumental in setting meaningful and achievable goals for Looked After Children. They work closely with social workers, foster carers, and other professionals to create personalised education plans (PEPs), which outline each child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and specific targets. These goals not only address academic achievements, such as improving grades or completing qualifications, but also emphasise personal development, such as building social skills or increasing self-confidence.
Moreover, designated teachers provide ongoing encouragement and monitoring, ensuring that goals remain relevant and progress is celebrated. By acting as a consistent, trusted adult in a child’s educational journey, they help establish a sense of stability and belonging within the school environment. Guidance from the Department for Education highlight that this role is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by Looked After Children and ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Why setting goals matters
Goal setting isn’t just about achieving academic milestones. It’s about instilling a sense of purpose, direction, and control—something that Looked After Children might feel they lack in other areas of their lives. Clear, attainable objectives within their education can help build confidence, develop resilience, and create a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the classroom.
For Looked After Children, the benefits of goal-setting are multifaceted:
- Creating Stability: Regular routines, such as attending classes or working towards GCSEs, provide a structure when other parts of their lives might feel unpredictable. The Children’s Commissioner for England emphasises that a consistent and nurturing school environment significantly benefits Looked After Children, offering them a sense of security amidst other uncertainties.
- Building Confidence: Achieving small goals helps foster self-belief, proving to these children that they are capable of success, even in challenging circumstances.
- Encouraging Independence: Learning how to set, work toward, and achieve goals empowers children to take ownership of their progress, laying the groundwork for independence in adulthood.
The role of structured education
Education can act as a stabilising force in the lives of Looked After Children. Structured, consistent learning environments provide a safe space where they can focus on personal growth and development. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlights the importance of supporting Looked After Children to develop and fulfil their potential, which includes monitoring educational plans and providing supportive pathways to education.
Strategies for supporting looked-after children through goal-setting
At TLC LIVE, we’ve seen the transformative power of education for vulnerable children. Here are some strategies that have proven effective in helping looked-after children thrive:
- Set SMART Goals: Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of “improve in English,” a SMART goal might be “improve my spelling test score by 10% over the next month.”
- Break Down Big Goals: Long-term aspirations like passing GCSEs can feel overwhelming. Breaking these into smaller, manageable steps—like mastering one topic at a time—makes progress more tangible and less intimidating.
- Celebrate Successes: Every achievement, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Celebrating milestones boosts self-esteem and encourages continued effort.
- Provide Individualised Support: Tailoring educational plans to each child’s abilities and circumstances ensures that goals are both challenging and attainable. This personalised approach is key to fostering a sense of achievement.
- Involve Trusted Adults: Teachers, social workers, and foster carers play a vital role in helping children set and pursue their goals. Encouragement and guidance from trusted adults can make all the difference.
The power of long-term impact
For Looked After Children, achieving educational goals isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about equipping them with the tools to navigate life’s challenges. The confidence and resilience they develop through goal-setting can pave the way for future successes, whether in further education, employment, or personal growth.
In times of uncertainty, the structure and predictability of education provide a vital anchor. By helping Looked After Children set and achieve meaningful goals, we can offer them more than just an education—we can give them hope for a brighter, more stable future.
At TLC LIVE, we’re proud to support Looked After Children with tailored tutoring programs designed to meet their unique needs and fit into PEPs.
Learn more about our tutoring for schools.
By Josh Blackburn, Chief Executive Officer, TLC LIVE Online Tutoring