Children in care

If a child is in the care of a local authority the LAC in year application form should be completed and returned to the preferred school. This should be sent along with a copy of the latest personal education plan and any additional supporting information relevant to the education placement of the child.

Please refer to the additional important information detailed on the first page of the LAC in year application form before completing this application.

If you have already submitted an application and you do not receive a response within 10 school days then please contact school directly to request a written response.

If a child is refused a place at your preferred school you have the right of appeal.

Local authorities have powers to direct admission in relation to looked-after children, but only to maintained schools.

The Secretary of State has powers to direct an academy to admit a child. Local authorities can apply to the Secretary of State to consider a request to direct, if they consider an academy to best meet the needs of a child and the academy refuses to admit.

If education provision is required outside a mainstream school or PRU setting then the SEND local offer can provide further information on specialist provision for all ages.

Local authorities placing a child within Staffordshire will need to complete the out of area placements of looked after children form to notify Staffordshire of the placement.