Adoption, Care experienced children, SGO, Kinship Care
At Chesswood we have a number of children who are either adopted, fostered or under special guardianship or Kinship care. These pages are designed to support families who are in this unique and special position, outlining the provision at Chesswood which seeks to meet the needs of their children - both educationally and emotionally. Plus signposting support services for families.
Key Adults
Designated Teacher& DSL |
Learning Mentor - Children we Care For |
Safeguarding Manager |
SENDCO |
Jez Himsworth |
Sharon Main |
Sally Harvey |
Ness Radcliffe |
jhimsworth@chesswood.w-sussex.sch.uk | smain@chesswood.w-sussex.sch.uk | sharvey@chesswood.w-sussex.sch.uk | vradcliffe@chesswood.w-sussex.sch.uk |
Admissions
Since September 2013, changes in education legislation meant that Looked After Children (LAC) and children who left UK care on an Adoption Order, Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order have the highest priority when applying for school places. This means when making applications for Secondary Schools, your child will be prioritised over other children in recognition that sometimes they have had a difficult start in life and they may need some additional support. The authority which placed your child can provide a letter confirming your child’s status. PAC-UK suggests questions to hold in mind when choosing a school, such as:
- Have staff received training on attachment and the impact of early trauma and loss?
- Where is the safe base for children when they need to calm down or regulate?
- How does the school support the Year 6 to Year 7 transition?
In Worthing, there are a number of options when it comes to applying for secondary school, which can be daunting for parents. We are more than happy to discuss your thoughts and needs, whilst supporting you with any school applications.