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