What is an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)? An Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) is a qualified and experienced social worker responsible for chairing the statutory reviews of a looked-after child’s care plan. Their primary legal duty is to ensure that the local authority is meeting the...
Professional Standards
Information and guidance related to professional roles, qualifications, and ethical conduct within the care and education sectors.
What is the Local Care Offer?
Discover the Local Care Offer: a comprehensive framework outlining support, care, and services provided by local authorities to promote wellbeing, independence, and social inclusion for all residents.
Personal Education Plans – PEP: A Guide for Families & Professionals
If you are caring for a looked-after child, or you are a professional new to the sector, the acronyms can feel endless. But the Personal Education Plan (PEP) is one of the most vital tools we have. In my years of experience, both living through the care system and working within it, I’ve seen PEP...
Understanding Unauthorised Leave and Absence in Social Care
An unauthorised absence is any instance when a child is not where she/he should be. This includes the foster home, school, an authorised activity venue, etc. The police do not need to be informed of an unauthorised absence unless their wearabouts / reason is unknown or their is an risk of harm at the known location.
Achieving Excellence: A Strategic Overview of the 9 Quality Standards in Residential Care
in the residential care sector, the Quality Standards (as set out in the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 ) represent the regulatory framework against which Ofsted inspects and judges provision. However, for high-performing providers, these standards should not be viewed merely as a...
Everything You Need to Know About LAC / CLA Reviews: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are a foster carer, a residential childcare worker, or a connected person, understanding the statutory review process is vital. These meetings are not just administrative checkpoints; they are the moments where we ensure a child is safe, happy, and thriving. Here are the most...
Working with Your Social Worker Effectively: A Guide for Children in Care
Working With Your Social Worker Header Being in care can be a confusing time. You might have a lot of questions and worries about what's happening. One of the most important people in your life right now is your https://thefrontline.org.uk/become-a-social-worker/. They're there to help you, but...
Am I Impacted by Generational Trauma, and How to Get Help?
```html Generational trauma refers to the traumatic experiences that are passed down from one generation to the next. This trauma can have lasting impacts on individuals, communities, and even entire societies. In this article, we will explore the signs and symptoms of generational trauma and...
12 Self-Care Fundamentals for Introverts
Being an introvert can be challenging in day-to-day life, especially if you work and have other commitments outside of the home. Fortunately, there are countless self-care activities and habits for fostering your health and well-being. If you are socially burned out, here are 12 tips from Looked After Child to brighten your day!
Placement Stability Meeting
A Placement Stability Meeting will be called when the placement of a child in foster care, residential or a semi-independence placement is considered to be at risk of disrupting.
Child Law – Websites
it can be scary when things go wrong, for both the child / young adult. and carers or family involved. thankfully thier is some great resources that highlight and provide yo with all the informtion about Childrens Services to help you get justice.
Social Worker
Introduction: Children's social workers play a critical role in the lives of children who are facing tough life situations. From providing support to families in need to advocating for the rights of children, these dedicated professionals work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of...








