Councils have a responsibility for the education of children in care and the Audit Commission has now revised its guidelines. The latest version reflects new legislation and has drawn on the evaluations of councils and Commission staff. The guidance provides self-assessment in eight key lines of enquiry including strategy and leadership, effective management, residential and foster carer support and health and safety. The self-assessment generates spreadsheets and charts to show the council’s progress and identifies areas for improvement. A template for an action plan is provided and the guidance also includes a format for data analysis, a case-tracking exercise, guidance for an attendance survey and a questionnaire for surveying looked-after children.

www.audit-commission.gov.uk