The Virtual School aims to meet the goal to ensure that:

"Our looked after children are safe, secure and achieve their full potential".

Initiated by Care Matters, Time for Change, all local authorities are advised to support raising the educational attainment and achievement of their Looked After Children through the overarching support of a Virtual School.

The responsibility for each child’s education, target setting, learning and teaching remains with the schools and settings where they are enrolled. However, it has been found that where another 'Virtual' School is able to keep an overview and support Looked After Children’s education, as if they also belonged to that ‘Virtual School’ it has additional, positive benefits for their educational outcomes.

Staffordshire’s Virtual School for Looked After Children provides support and challenge to schools, education providers, social work teams and other key partners in the form of staffing support, training and additional resources. We also provide information, advice and guidance (especially around Personal Educational Plans), as well as monitoring and tracking of individual educational outcomes and targets.

The Virtual School consists of the Headteacher, Education Co-ordinators, Education Transition Co-ordinators and Mentors, who together focus on improving the attainment and achievements of looked after children, improving attendance and reducing the number of exclusions.

Who can use the service?

Children 0-18years  looked after to Staffordshire and any partner supporting the education of children looked after to Staffordshire including foster carers, social workers, designated teachers.

Are there any costs?

There is no cost.

How do I refer?

Referrals are usually made through the Personal Education Planning process either by the child’s social worker or designated teacher.

What happens after referral?

Individual advice and support to ensure progress in education is maintained.

Who will we see?

A representative from the Virtual School, as required.

What happens when I come to the service?

All children looked after children to Staffordshire have their education monitored and supported by the Virtual School.

What happens when I become an adult?

Advice and signposting is offered to looked after children going onto further or higher education up until the age of 25.