The Virtual School for Looked After Children ensures that all children and young people currently, or previously, in the care of Waltham Forest Council have the best possible opportunities in school and receive the support they need to achieve their potential.
The Virtual School works closely with Waltham Forest Social Services and together we promote the education achievement of the children and young people currently or previously in our care. Our duties are outlined in the following Statutory Guidance.
The Virtual School forms part of our strategy for improving the educational attainment of all children and young people in the care of Waltham Forest, including those who live and attend schools in other Local Authorities.
Our 'pupils' will already be placed in a mainstream school, or sometimes a specialist provision, but additionally they will be on the roll of the Virtual School. The Virtual School has staff just like a 'real' school and it treats its pupils as though they were in one school by tracking their progress and providing support and interventions through a targeted approach. In this way, our children are provided with an additional layer of specialist support complementing what is already happening in school.
The Virtual School has recently been given new responsibilities, a strategic leadership role to champion the educational attendance, attainment, and progress of children with a social worker. More information about these new responsibilities can be found on the appropriate tabs for Children with a Social Worker. Find out more from the DfE.