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Disadvantage: widening the lens

Children in care

Learn about children in care and how to support them in your governance role.

Guidance
20/05/2026
Pupils-learning getting ready for school

Approximately 81,770 children in England are currently in care, making up around 1% of the pupil population. Behind that figure are young people whose educational journeys are often shaped by instability, trauma and disrupted schooling.

Asking the right questions is one of the most powerful ways governors and trustees can help ensure that children in care (CIC) receive the same opportunities as their peers.

Use this guidance to:

  • understand the definition and demographics of children in care
  • understand the support available to children in care
  • explore key questions to ask at board meetings

Children in care guide

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The authors

This guidance was co-written by Aaron King and the charity Become.

Aaron has nearly 20 years’ experience in school governance, alongside extensive work supporting vulnerable children and families in schools. He is also the director of 9000 Lives, which provides expert consultancy, training and advice on inclusion and SEND.

Become is the national charity for children in care and care leavers. Since 1992, the charity has worked to:

  • provide advice and support
  • help improve the lives of children in care and care leavers
  • influence policy
  • train professionals who work with children in care

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