About this guidance

This is statutory guidance from the Department. This means that schools must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to looked after children.

This guidance relates to the duty that governing bodies of all maintained schools are required under the Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (the 2008 Act) to appoint a designated teacher to promote the educational achievement of looked after children who are on the school roll.

Expiry/ review date

Under review.

What legislation does this relate to?

  • the Children and Young Persons Act 2008; and
  • the Designated Teacher (Looked After Pupils etc) (England) Regulations 2009.

Who is this guidance for?

Guidance for governors, headteachers, local authorities and teachers. This guidance applies to maintained schools only.

Key points

This guidance details:

  • the role of the governing body;
  • the role of the designated teacher within the school;
  • the role of the designated teacher in developing the personal education plan (PEP); and
  • the relationship of the designated teacher to others beyond the school.