Ascension Social Care Education

• We are committed to promoting young people’s educational achievement and ensuring we support them to fulfil their full academic potential. We acknowledge that many of the young people in our care have experienced very little consistent education previously. It is crucial that we build their self-esteem and support them in recognising that, with some motivation on their part, they can achieve and take greater responsibility for their own future outcomes.

  
  Where young people are excluded, we shall offer alternative provision through Ascension Social Care AP, who shall support them to return to mainstream education where appropriate. Ascension Social Care AP have established relationships with Barnet LA and the SEN department over the last 5 years, and we collaborate with a number of local mainstream and specialist schools.
  Staff will support the young person’s education, health and care plan (EHCP) that outlines the young person’s special educational, health and social care needs. They shall ensure that the specific, detailed, and quantified points in the plan, which they can contribute to, are met to the highest standard. Staff shall challenge others when they believe that professional practice is falling short of the expected standard and having a negative impact on their lives. Staff shall attend the statutory review of the EHCP and provide their perspective on how to further support the young person.
  Staff may request an EHCP if they deem it to be in the best interest of the young person. Should a local authority decline to make an assessment, staff will consider the reasons and if not satisfied will respectfully lodge an appeal for a “refusal to assess” hearing. Staff shall work with other professionals to obtain a formal diagnosis of the special educational needs and/or reports from other professionals such as an education psychologist.

  
  Staff will support young people to develop their independent study skills. This shall entail providing the requisite resources and space within the home so that young people may study.
  Here they shall develop an understanding of the barriers to learning and help each young person appreciate the importance of a good education. Staff shall ensure that schools follow statutory guidance on exclusions and any special provision for looked-after children.
  Each young person’s Personal Education Plan (PEP) is an integral part of their care plan, and these arrangements are agreed upon admission or as soon as possible thereafter. The social worker and school, in conjunction with the home's manager, will ensure this is addressed and influenced by the young person and key worker. Staff will report to and attend the PEP reviews, and ensure a copy of the PEP is retained in the home, accessible to staff.

  
  Where young people are new to the area, our team will liaise with the team around the young person, the LA and any other professionals regarding the application to a local mainstream or SEN school. Where young people are already attending an educational provision at the time of their admission, every effort shall be made to ensure no interruption in their existing provision.