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LAC and previously LAC: governing board's role

Find out what your responsibilities are regarding looked-after children (LAC) and previously LAC. Be clear on the statutory requirements so your school can stay compliant.

Last reviewed on 17 May 2024See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 33004
Contents
  1. Make sure there's a designated teacher
  2. Give admission priority to LAC
  3. Approve and review your designated teacher policy (if you have one)
  4. Hold your school to account

Make sure there's a designated teacher

As a board, you must make sure:

  • A designated teacher is appointed to promote the educational achievement of looked-after children (LAC) and previously LAC
  • This teacher undertakes appropriate training
  • You consider any annual report about LAC and previously LAC and act on any issues that the report raises

You also need to make sure staff have the skills, knowledge and understanding to keep LAC safe.

This is outlined in the maintained schools governance guide (section 7.2.4), and in Keeping Children Safe in Education (paragraph 190).

The designated teacher must be a qualified teacher, or the executive leader

This includes acting executive leaders, too. To be the designated teacher, a qualified teacher must have completed an appropriate induction period.

See page 6 of the DfE's statutory guidance for looked after and previously looked after children.

However, some functions (such as pastoral and