What kinship care is, the support available and the duty virtual schools have.
All virtual schools have a duty to raise awareness and promote practise that improves outcomes of children in kinship care.
Kinship care is where a child is being raised in the care of a friend or family member who is not their parent. The arrangement may be temporary or longer term.
This includes:
- informal arrangements
- private fostering arrangements
- child arrangements orders
- special guardianship orders
- kinship foster care
- adoption (friends or family)
Find out more about the different types of care.
Support for kinship carers
Kinship Compass
Kinship Compass offer a range of information and training, and coffee mornings to connect with other kinship carers in the area. Find out more on the Kinship Compass website.
Special Guardianship Support Service
The Special Guardianship Support Service is a dedicated team that supports special guardians in Bristol. They organise regular coffee mornings and family events where you can meet others in similar situations and access support.
To find out more, email special.guardianship@bristol.gov.uk.
Education support
You should let your child's school know if you are a kinship carer as there may be more support available to you and your child.
We work with schools to make sure there is awareness and understanding of the potential needs of children in kinship care.
If your child has been in care before, you may be able to get other educational support options for previously looked after children.
You can also find out more about the support available if your child has additional needs.
FLORA
FLORA provide information and advice for children and young people with additional needs and their parents and carers. To find out more, email flora@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 352 6020.
SEND And You (SAY)
SAY offer independent advice and support about a child or young person's special educational needs or disabilities. You can find out more on the SEND And You website.
Education advice
If you care for a child under an adoption order, special guardianship order or child arrangements order, you can contact The HOPE for advice about their education. Email hope.kinship@bristol.gov.uk.
