Many children and young people across the region will have started new schools this week as the summer holidays came to an end.

Some youngsters will have started primary school, secondary school or college for the first time with others progressing naturally into their new classes.

For some of Cheshire’s children in care, the new school year may mean a new school in a new area.

Prospective carers with Foster4 often ask how things work in terms of schools, drop off and pick up routines and the role of the foster carer.

As the new term gets under way, some members of the wider Foster4 team have given their advice about how to help children when they move in with foster carers.

Simon, who is the head teacher at one of Foster4’s virtual schools said: “When children first come into the local authority’s care, wherever possible and appropriate, they remain at their current school.

“School is often the one constant they have had in their lives and it provides them with much-needed stability.

“Once children are settled with foster carers, when future plans have been made through the courts for example and they are to remain with foster carers permanently, it may be that they move to a school within their new local community, closer to the foster carer’s home.

“Every child in care has a personal education plan (PEP), which is managed by our dedicated teams who oversee the education of all children in care, and these are known as virtual schools.

“We work hard to help our children achieve, despite the adversity they might be facing.”

Foster carer Lisa said: “Starting at a new school can be a daunting experience for some children but it can also be a very welcome chance for a fresh start.

“It’s our role as foster carers to work closely with schools and social workers, ensuring everyone knows about the child’s background and needs.

“We make sure the children in our care get the support they require and the opportunities to thrive.

“We prepare them, reassure them, praise them and encourage them.

“We do all the practical things such as taking them to and from school, attending parents evening and supporting them with their homework.

“We have their classmates over for tea, drop teens off to hang out with their friends - all the typical parenting things that are so important for their development, but that they may never have had previously.”

For more information about fostering visit foster4.co.uk or call 01925 444100.

You can also email fosteringrecruitment@warrington.gov.uk or use @foster4cheshire on Facebook and Instagram.

Help is available to support children’s education

All children and young people in care are entitled to additional funding in school.

Pupil premium helps to close the attainment gap between them and their peers.

Foster carers work with schools to ensure the pupil premium is used in ways that will best support the child, such as additional reading or behaviour support, ICT resources or specialist equipment.

Foster4 carers are given training to support the children and young people in education so they are well prepared to help them achieve their potential.

It’s important to celebrate the little things for children and young people who have gaps in their education as these are often big achievements.

Speaking to fellow foster carers is essential and as part of the recruitment process, potential foster carers are encouraged to develop relationships with the peers.

There are opportunities to ask for advice, information and strategies that have proved to be successful in supporting children and young people in the past.