Looked-after and previously looked-after children

A looked-after child (LAC) is a child who is in our care or being provided with accommodation by social services.

A previously looked-after child (PLAC) is a child who was previously looked after by us but is no longer looked after by us because of being one of the following:

• adopted 
• given a child arrangements order
• given a special guardianship order

If you're applying on behalf of a looked-after child or a previously looked-after child, you must upload with your application a letter on headed paper from the local authority in England where the child is currently or previously looked after. 

Sign in to eAdmissions. 

The letter must confirm that at the time of making the admissions application, the child is either:

• currently looked after 
• was previously looked after because they were adopted or became subject to a child arrangements order or special guardianship order

Children adopted from state care outside of England

If a child has been adopted from state care outside of England, you must upload supporting documents with your application as evidence of adoption, which includes one of the following: 

• an adoption certificate issued by the Registrar General for England and Wales
• an adoption order from a UK court
• an adoption order from National Records Scotland or the General Register Office for Northern Ireland
• an Article 23 Certificate

You will also need to upload:

• official documentation from the relevant court or state authorities in the country of adoption, confirming that the child was adopted (we may ask for further information)
• evidence that the child was previously looked after in the form of a report or letter

Read more information about in-year admissions for children.

Southwark Council's school admissions team may liaise with our virtual school head (VSH) in relation to IAPLAC applicants and any evidence that is submitted to support the application.

You can read guidance for admission authorities and local authorities about admissions priority for children adopted from state care outside of England.