Concessions: £45 +VAT for foster carers coming with their designated social worker (limited number of these tickets available) - please email seminars@guardian.co.uk for more information, or call: 0203 353 4059 as you will need a discount code.

Getting the best education for children in care

A Guardian Professional seminar in association with TACT.

Children in care need and deserve access to the best possible education. Yet the education system is complex and policies are ever-changing. Whether it's navigating schools admissions and exclusions policies or getting access to extra support for children with particular needs, social workers, foster carers, new adoptive parents and all those who work with looked-after children need support and guidance. The Guardian's one-day seminar in association with TACT (the UK's largest fostering and adoption charity) will provide a clear overview of the UK education system and strategies for dealing with particular challenges within it, including:

• School admissions & exclusions
• Primary/secondary school transfer
• The statementing process
• Additional help for children with special needs
• The Pupil Premium
• Foetal Alcohol Syndrome: a growing problem for educational attainment

Who should attend?

• Social workers
• Foster carers
• New adoptive parents
• Local authority foster care managers
• Foster care association staff
• Teachers

Confirmed speakers:

Kevin Williams

Kevin is the Chief Executive of The Adolescent and Children's Trust (TACT). During his tenure, he has led TACT from a small fostering charity to a national children's charity. His career, mainly in social work over 25 years, and starting in teaching has given him a strong drive to improve the life chances of some of society's most disadvantaged people. He has been on the Board of the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) (Dec 03-Dec 08) and was the Chair of the Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers. Kevin started Fostering through Social Enterprise (TfSE) and sits on the Advisory Board of Research in Practice (RIP). He regularly talks at international and national conferences.

Elizabeth Webb

Elizabeth joined TACT in 2003 and is the Assistant Director with responsibility for the Adoption Service. She is also the vice chair of the adoption and permanency panel.  She has been qualified as a social worker for over 30 years, and has many years experience in fostering and adoption, placing children for adoption or in foster care, supporting placements, post-adoption support both for children, families and adults.  She manages TACT’s Foetally Affected Children’s Service which provides a diagnostic and support service for children in care, their carers and adoptive families affected by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

John Galloway

John Galloway is an education consultant and writer, with a background in special needs and inclusion. He has a particular interest in the use of new technologies to make learning more engaging for all students, and specifically how it can improve access to the curriculum for those with special educational needs. John has been education consultant to TACT for some years, providing training and advice to carers and professionals on a range of issues. He has spoken at national and international events, and been published widely on the web, in the press, and in a number of books.

For more information please contact us: seminars@guardian.co.uk, or: 0203 353 4059.