Local authorities need to become more skilled at identifying vulnerable children who would benefit from free places at boarding school, according to a government-commissioned study. Only 17 children at risk of going into care were placed in state and private boarding schools under a government initiative. There were clear benefits to many of the pupils, but more needs to be done to ensure schools are able to cope with children with the most complex needs, the report said.
The Government has pledged Pounds 500,000 to extend the scheme to another 50 local authorities.