Virtual School Support Services

The Virtual School for Looked After Children offers a full advisory and support service to childcare providers, schools, foster carers and other providers in raising the attainment of Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children.

While our main remit is to support those of statutory school age, working with their carers, social workers, childcare providers and schools, we also monitor the education of children from entrance to nursery, beginning the Personal Education Plan (PEP) process at the age of 2. We also make every effort to support our looked after young people in post-statutory studies.

The Virtual School does not have its own curriculum, as our Looked After Children are expected to be in full-time education in schools close to their foster placement. The majority of children attend mainstream primary or secondary schools. A small number will, however, be in residential or specialist facilities that best suit their needs.

As part of our work, we provide training for foster carers and social workers, and work closely with the School Admissions Services in Waltham Forest and other local authorities, to ensure, monitor and advise on admissions for our own cohort and for children placed in Waltham Forest by other authorities. The Virtual School also manages the Pupil Premium grant for Looked After Children.

The Virtual School will:

  • Provide targeted educational support to Looked After Children in WF schools
  • Respond immediately and appropriately to all enquiries about Looked After Children and advise on the required action that needs to be undertaken
  • Liaise with relevant agencies to address concerns
  • Provide regular professional training sessions
  • Advise schools of their responsibilities in relation to Looked After Children
  • Maintain a database of all Looked After Children in Waltham Forest, including those placed here by other local authorities
  • Disseminate relevant information
  • Deliver training and support for adults and professionals working with Looked After Children, e.g. foster carers, social workers, designated teachers, care homes
  • Publish regular updates for social workers, carers and designated teachers
  • Manage the Pupil Premium Grant for Looked After Children and post-LAC who have been in the care of Waltham Forest
  • Offer advice and guidance on the use of the Pupil Premium grant for Looked After and post-Looked After Children
  • Provide advocacy, advice and guidance for Looked After Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Find out more about training available on WF Traded Services. (login required)

Last update: Wednesday 1st of July 2020 10:11:04 AM