To ask the Minister of Education to detail his Department’s progress in implementing actions outlined in A Life Deserved - A Strategy for Looked After Children.

My Department has made significant progress on actions within the A Life Deserved strategy to improve outcomes for Children Looked After (CLA).

This includes:

Facilitation of multi-agency working between schools and Health and Social Care Trusts through the Primary Children Looked After Advisory Service (PCLAAS) and CLA Champion.

Development of the Revised Personal Education Plan Guidance for Primary Age Children Looked After to provide tailored support to ensure positive learning experiences as well as improved social wellbeing.

Launch of the joint DE/DoH Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework.

Delivery of the Attach Programme, by the PCLAAS, which builds capacity within the existing education workforce on trauma informed practice and the importance of relationships.

Work to re-establish an Education and Economy forum to focus on pathways for CLA.

The funding of 62 Nurture Groups in primary schools and establishment of work to develop a long-term approach to Nurture.

Of course, the current financial climate presents challenges. For instance, the implementation of the revised guidance for Personal Education Plans for primary-aged children has been delayed by ongoing industrial action within the education sector as well as wider workforce issues in relation to social work support.

My Department remains committed to the A Life Deserved Strategy and improving outcomes for these vulnerable children.