Article: Educational support for children in care Article Body The After Care and Life Chances Team is a multi-disciplinary team which works directly with children in public care. They provide advice and support to children looked after by Barnsley Council, and their families, carers and colleagues, to support and enhance their educational and health outcomes. The team is based in Childrens Services at Wellington House and works closely with the 'virtual headteacher' for children in care. It has a role in monitoring the attendance and achievement of Barnsleys children in public care and in providing direct teaching and learning support for children and young people where this is required. The team works closely with schools, special educational needs (SEN) services, Springwell and other education providers to support children and young peoples education. It provides advocacy and support for children in care placed in other boroughs where required to support admissions, exclusions and other educational matters. There is a nurse-qualified health advisor in the team who undertakes nurse-led health assessments of children in care and works alongside social workers, foster carers and children and young people themselves to promote their health and wellbeing. The team will also provide advice and signposting for those caring for children in care placed in Barnsley by other local authorities, and provide a service for all children in care in line with the Barnsley Pledge for Children in Care. The service is available to children and young people in public care, their families and carers, social workers and other colleagues working in education settings. Referral to the team can be through direct contact (self referral), or by referral from social workers, foster carers or other professionals Advice and information will wherever possible be provided at the time of request, or within two working days. Related links Children Act 1989 Children Act 2004 Care Matters Barnsley Council's Pledge to Children and Young People in Care How to contact us Team Manager Future Directions After Care and Life Chances Team Postal address: PO Box 679, Barnsley S70 9JE Telephone: 01226 772392 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm