Education support for kinship families
We recognise the importance of educational stability and success for children and young people in kinship care. A range of advice and guidance is available to help carers access the most appropriate educational services and support.
Childcare provision
From September 2025, funded childcare expanded to include more support for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 4 years.
Family Information Service: Help with childcare costs
Virtual School support
Westmorland and Furness Virtual School help support the education of children in kinship care, alongside its work with children in care and those who have a social worker. This includes children living with relatives or family friends under special guardianship orders (SGO), child arrangements orders (CAO), or informal family arrangements.
The Virtual School works with families and professionals to help children and young people do well in school by improving their attendance, achievement, and overall educational outcomes.
Advice, guidance and support
A big part of what the Virtual School does is provide helpful advice and information to kinship carers and the people supporting them. This includes:
- guidance on choosing schools and supporting children through key transitions
- advice on attendance, behaviour, and preventing exclusions
- help understanding your child’s progress and learning needs
- support with navigating SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) processes
We also speak up for children and young people by working closely with schools and other professionals to make sure their needs are understood and supported.
Supporting emotional wellbeing and relationships
We recognise that many children in kinship care may have experienced difficult things in the past. We promote a nurturing, trauma-informed approach to help them feel safe and ready to learn. This includes:
- training for schools on attachment, trauma, and emotional wellbeing
- support such as BUSS (Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems), delivered by trained practitioners, to help with development and school readiness
- tailored advice to schools on creating supportive and inclusive environments
Working together around your child
We work closely with:
- schools and designated teachers
- social workers and family help services
- families and carers
By working together, we can make sure your child gets the right support and the best possible experience in education.
Support based on your needs
Virtual School support is flexible and based on what each child and family needs. Support is usually provided by phone or email, which is why close partnership working with families and professionals is so important in helping children and young people succeed.
Pupil Premium
Children in kinship care qualify for Pupil Premium if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Previously cared for child
- If the child was in the care of the Local Authority and is now in a kinship care arrangement under:
- Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
- Child Arrangements Order (CAO)
- Adoption (eligible for Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding)
- If the child was in the care of the Local Authority and is now in a kinship care arrangement under:
- Currently cared for (placed with kinship foster carers)
- still 'cared for' by the local authority, therefore also eligible for PP+
- Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility
- any child (including those in kinship care) who is currently eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), or has been at any point in the last 6 years (“Ever 6”), receives the standard Pupil Premium
Some children in kinship care do not automatically qualify for Pupil Premium. This includes children in informal kinship arrangements who have never been cared for by the Local Authority and are not eligible for free school meals (FSM), meaning they do not automatically receive this additional funding support.
Pupil Premium funding is paid directly to schools. While not all kinship children are eligible, schools can use this funding flexibly to support them, particularly as many fall into priority groups such as those with a social worker or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Educational settings have flexibility in how they use Pupil Premium funding to support their full cohort of vulnerable children and young people, including those in kinship care. This can include support for emotional wellbeing, such as access to a trusted adult, mentoring, counselling, or trauma-informed approaches. Schools may also provide academic support like small group or one-to-one tuition, additional classroom support, or help with homework and exam preparation. Funding can also enable wider opportunities, including school trips, clubs, and help with uniforms or equipment, as well as support during key transitions - such as moving schools or returning after absence - to help ensure stability and engagement in education.
The Kinship Team will inform the Virtual School when children enter kinship care arrangements, to ensure appropriate advice and support can be provided to the school where needed.
School admissions
Find out more about how to apply for a school place or request a change of school for a child or young person. Our website explains when and how to apply, including applications for starting school, moving schools, or changing schools during the academic year.
Apply for a school place or change schools
Home to School Transport
Find out if your child is eligible for free school transport and how to apply.
Free school meals and clothing vouchers
Check your eligibility and apply for Free School Meals and clothing vouchers to support your child’s nutrition and learning.