Previously Looked After Children (PLAC) - advice and information

As from September 2018 there are now new duties for children previously looked after (PLAC). The Virtual School will be able to offer advice and information regarding the education of children living in Telford & Wrekin who were previously in care and are now subject to an adoption, special guardianship or child arrangement order. Not having parental responsibility for these children, the Virtual School would not be entitled to monitor these pupils and the duties do not extend to taking on case work or actions. However, we aim to empower all our parents with the advice, information and expertise that we have gathered whilst supporting our children in care to ensure that all the children in our remit can fulfil their potential in school.

PLAC Education Advisers: Zoe McLaughlin, Becca Best & Suzy Rogers
Email: virtualschool@telford.gov.uk

Please download our advice and one minute guides for parents and schools.

Education plans for previously looked after children

Rationale and Purpose of an Education Plan is for those children in education to be fully aware of the needs and issues faced by previously looked after children and their parents/carers. It is also to encourage further positive collaboration across home and school/early years provision.

Download the education plan tool and education plan guidance for more information on the needs and issues faced by previously looked after children underneath : 

Changes to the school admissions code

The government consulted on changes to the School Admissions Code. This came into force on 1 September 2021. The main changes needed, to comply with the new code are as follows:

Internationally adopted and looked after children

The 2021 School Admissions Code requires children who appear (to the admission authority) to have been in state care outside of England, and who have ceased to be in state care as a result of being adopted, to be given equal first priority in admission arrangements alongside looked after children (LAC) and children who were previously looked after by English local authorities (PLAC). The advice refers to these children as internationally adopted previously looked after children - "IAPLAC".

For more information on updates made to the school admissions code, please visit the GOV.UK website. For any queries, please email Jo Doody,School Admissions and Transport Team Leader on Jo.Doody@telford.gov.uk.

Download the admissions letter (.pdf Size: 386Kb)

School admissions appeal code

This code came into force on 1 October 2022 and applies to all appeals lodged on or after that date. It applies to admission appeals for all maintained schools and academy schools in England (not including any maintained or academy special school, alternative provision or stand-alone 16 - 19 provision). It should be read alongside the school admissions (appeal arrangements) (England) Regulations 2012, the school admissions code and other guidance and law that affect admissions and admission appeals in England.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out more on the school admissions appeal code

Adoption UK

Adoption UK is the leading charity providing support, community and advocacy for all those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents. They connect adoptive families, provide information and signposting on a range of adoption-related issues and campaign for improvements to adoption policy and legislation at the highest levels. With over 8,000 members, they provide a strong, supportive community and are the largest voice of adopters in the UK. 

Visit the Adoption UK website for information and support for families

Telephone: 0300 666 0006
Email: helpline@adoptionuk.org.uk
Website: Adoption UK

Last updated : 2 April 2025