Key contacts

What they do: the Virtual School Head is the senior LA officer responsible for the education of every child looked after by that local authority, wherever they go to school. They sign off PEPs and decide how Pupil Premium Plus is spent.

What they can authorise: additional PP+ spending, extra tutoring, a PEP review out of cycle, support for school admissions and appeals, advocacy for a child in care during exclusions.

When to escalate to them: when the school is not engaging, when a PEP deadline has been missed, when there is a fight over a school place, when PP+ is being spent on things that don’t benefit your child.

What they do: every state school in England must have a named Designated Teacher for looked-after and previously-looked-after children. They are usually a senior teacher or member of the leadership team.

What they can authorise: internal arrangements like a quiet space, a key adult, in-class support, access arrangements, attendance at the PEP, and the school’s contribution to PP+ planning.

When to escalate to them: when a classroom issue isn’t being handled, before going to the Headteacher. If they don’t respond within a reasonable time, escalate to the Headteacher and copy in the Virtual School.

What they do: the IRO is independent of the social work team. They chair the statutory Looked After Child review and check that the local authority is doing right by the child.

What they can authorise: the IRO can require the LA to take action; if the LA doesn’t, the IRO can refer the case to CAFCASS, which can ultimately lead to legal proceedings.

When to escalate to them: when education isn’t being properly addressed in the care plan, when a PEP is missing or being ignored, when a placement decision will damage the child’s schooling, or when SEND needs are not being assessed.

What they do: coordinates the child’s care plan, holds (or shares) parental responsibility, attends LAC reviews and PEPs, and signs forms.

What they can authorise: contact arrangements, day-to-day decisions where PR is delegated, consent to assessments and to EHCP needs assessments where the LA holds PR, and access to services like Adoption Support Fund or therapeutic input.

When to escalate to them: for anything that requires LA consent. If they don’t respond, escalate to their Team Manager, then to the IRO.

What they do: the SEN Team at the local authority decides whether to carry out an EHCP needs assessment, drafts and issues the plan, and handles annual reviews and amendments.

What they can authorise: starting an EHCP needs assessment, issuing a draft and final EHCP, naming a school in Section I, and arranging mediation.

When to escalate to them: for any formal SEND request. If they refuse to assess or refuse to issue a plan, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.