Adopted children are falling behind their classmates at school because their needs are not fully understood by teachers, a charity claims.

Eighty per cent of adoptive parents say that their children need more - or different - support at school, because of their early, pre-adoptive experiences, according to a new survey of charity Adoption UK’s 10,000 members.

The findings were released today to coincide with the launch of an appeal to provide training and resources for schools to ensure adopted children are supported properly.

The educational attainment of adopted children is significantly lower than average, with only 49 per cent of adopted children reaching their expected levels at key stage 2 last year. And 

Around 5,050 children were adopted last year, of whom 70 per cent were removed from their birth families because of abuse or neglect. These early childhood experiences often lead to behavioural, physical and emotional difficulties.

The charity hopes to raise £10,000 to provide training and support services for local authorities, schools and teachers. 

Hugh Thornbery, its chief executive, said: “Much  more needs to be done at the frontline, within schools, to help these very vulnerable children achieve better educational outcomes. The whole system needs improving.”

For more information, visit the Adoption UK website.

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