Yes, education remains a core part of every child’s life, even after entering residential care. In fact, access to consistent, supportive education is often what helps children rebuild confidence, stability, and aspirations.
At Welcare, we take education in children’s homes seriously. We work closely with schools, local authorities, and families to ensure every child has the right support to thrive academically and emotionally.
What Type of School Do Children in Care Attend?
Most children living in a children’s home attend school off-site. The type of school depends on their specific needs:
- Mainstream schools for children who are able to integrate with standard education settings
- Specialist schools for children with SEND, including autism, ADHD, SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health), or learning disabilities
- Alternative provision or pupil referral units (PRUs) for children who have struggled with attendance or behavioural issues in the past
- On-site education may be available in certain homes, especially for children who require intensive support or are transitioning back into mainstream education
What Is an EHCP?
Many children in care have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP),a legal document that outlines the child’s educational, health, and social care needs and how those needs will be met.
Welcare staff work closely with SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), local authorities, and the child to ensure that the EHCP is:
- Accurate and updated
- Properly implemented
- Supported within the home environment (e.g. through structured routines, quiet study time, emotional regulation support)
How Are Children Supported With School?
Children in care often face barriers to education—such as missed schooling, trauma, or undiagnosed needs. That’s why children’s homes play an active role in bridging the gap.
At Welcare, we provide:
- Daily emotional check-ins before and after school
- Transport to and from school, with staff available for school meetings and communication
- Homework support and study time
- Support staff liaison with teachers, SEN departments, and virtual school heads (VSH)
- Re-engagement programmes for children not in education (NEET), including tutoring, vocational learning, and creative therapies
School Refusal or Exclusion
Some children arrive at a home with a history of school refusal, anxiety, or exclusion. In these cases, we take a gradual, therapeutic approach:
- Building trust and routine in the home
- Introducing education through informal, interest-based learning
- Collaborating with the local authority to explore alternative placements
- Preparing for reintegration with education psychologists and outreach staff
Education is a journey, not a race.
Welcare’s Commitment to Education
Our homes are structured around school schedules. Children are supported to attend consistently, engage meaningfully, and celebrate academic and personal progress.
We see education not just as schooling, but as a pathway to independence, identity, and opportunity.
Continue learning about life in children’s homes: