Responding to a new Education Committee report on fixing children's social care, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Children in care have often had a really difficult start in life, so it’s vital they get the right support, including when attending school, so they have a genuine chance to flourish.

“Children’s engagement in education isn’t something schools alone can ensure, however. Services like social care and health have a vital role to play in helping children and sharing information with schools so they can understand family circumstances, access the right support for pupils, and minimise disruption to their education - including when they have to move care placement.

“We therefore welcome the recommendations in this report urging the government to develop a workforce strategy for children’s social care, ensure there are sufficient care placements, and focus on early intervention which is so important in addressing issues in children’s and families’ lives before they escalate.

“NAHT is also calling on the government to better align education, health, social care and mental health services as part of a long-term strategic plan, and provide funding so all schools can access trauma-informed training to enable staff to understand the support pupils need.”