LACES - Info for Professionals

The Looked After Children Education Service (LACES) is primarily concerned with all educational aspects for children who are in the care of Cumbria’s Children's Services, including those 'Cumbrian' Children placed outside of the county boundaries.

LACES work by:

• Being proactive in monitoring the educational placements of children and young people, particularly at times of transition.
• Short-term task centred interventions with children and young people.
• Advising and supporting on access to more relevant services for all professionals, carers, children, young people, and schools.
• Training and support on education related issues to all Children's Services staff, including health, residential staff, and carers.
• Liaison with Children’s Services staff, schools, alternative education providers, carers, children, young people, and health on education related issues.
• Research (see link below) and training on the education of children and young people  who are looked after, particularly in relation to the completion of Personal Education Plans (see link - right).
• LACES Research

Making a Referral to LACES

Any professional person who is involved with a child or young person, who is looked after, can make a referral to LACES. Or the young person could refer himself or herself.

A referral can be made by phone, fax, email, or letter; to LACES main office in Carlisle or to individual team members (see Contact Us link - top right). LACES will fill in an intervention form; all we need is some basic information about the child or young person:

• Name and date of birth (and any aliases if known).
• Education provider / school.
• Social and /or Family worker.
• Carer's name and address. 

We will discuss the reason for referral and what outcomes are expected. A time scale is usually given. It may be LACES cannot help but we can advise on an agency or another provider that can.