Book review: Improving Outcomes for Looked After Children By Jacqui Horsburgh

Improving Outcomes for Looked After Children offers an evidence-based and practical account of ways in which practitioners can help improve educational outcomes for care experienced children. The author sets out clearly the rationale behind this, in that many children who are care experienced have historically underperformed academically compared to their peers. The author outlines reasons throughout the book as to why this may be the case and highlights the importance of teacher and peer relationships as a supportive strategy for improvement. Examples contained within the book discuss and reflect on the importance of learning with and from peers, alongside socio-cultural learning to support improvements in educational outcomes. Early on the author makes clear the value of each person's role in Corporate Parenting and that care experienced children belong to everyone, thereby highlighting the need for Corporate Parents to continue to work together to ensure children feel loved, safe and respected. The benefits of establishing a sense of belonging for care experienced children and them knowing that someone believes in them is clearly outlined.