Personal Education Plans - The Essential Facts

• It is the responsibility of the child's social worker to instigate the education planning process. The trigger for the instigation of the Personal Education Plan is the child's Care Plan, which demands a current PEP

• The responsibility to formulate the Personal Education Plan is held jointly between the school and the child's social worker. In addition it is expected that the child and the child's parent or carer are fully consulted in the development of the plan

• The group of people involved in the plan should identify one lead person to coordinate the implementation of the plan

• It is the designated teacher's responsibility to ensure that PEPs exist for all Looked After Children in their school. It is not expected, though, that they be the lead person in each individual Personal Education Plan. It may be the case that the form tutor/ class teacher is the best person to formulate the plan
  

• The Personal Education Plan is intended as the overarching education plan, which is in turn an integral part of a child's Care Plan. The PEP should make reference to all other existing education plans, e.g. IEP, Behaviour Plan, Careers Action Plan etc.

• A current Personal Education Plans should always be available for review as part of the Care Plan

• It is not always appropriate or possible to review the Personal Education Plan at the same time as the review of the Care Plan, e.g. the review date might fall in the school holidays

• Guidance (DFES/DOH) says Personal Education Plans should be reviewed at least every six months

• Many educational practitioners would want to review a Personal Education Plan termly. This would then mean an up to date PEP whenever the Care Plan is being reviewed

• The Personal Education Plan should be an integral part of the Care Plan and reflect existing education plans
  
• The social worker is responsible for initiating the PEP to be completed in partnership with the young person, designated teacher, family, carers and other relevant parties
  
• The Personal Education Plan should be agreed as soon as possible and within at least 20 days of a child entering care or joining a new school
  
• The Personal Education Plan is to be reviewed concurrently with the Care Plan and at least every six months

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