Refusing to admit a CLA

School refusal to admit a Looked After Child 

If a Looked After Child is refused admittance by a school, the social worker, carer and VSO should seek the support of the VSH without delay in order to discuss whether the school may be directed to admit by the local authority.

• If a school maintained by a local authority refuses to admit a Looked After Child, the home local authority has the power to direct the school to do so, even if the school is full. This does not apply if the child has been previously permanently excluded from that school. Any such direction will be done in accordance with the School's Admissions Code. 
• If an academy or free school refuses to admit a Looked After Child, the home authority may request them to admit, but it may not direct them.  

If there are strong grounds in favour of that school being the most suited to meet the child's needs, then the local authority may ask the Secretary of State to intervene.