Statutory Virtual School

Statutory Virtual School team, from the 1^st April 2025, supports all Children Looked After by Somerset, whether they live in or out of Somerset. This team sits within the wider Somerset Virtual School which supports children with vulnerabilities and/or in complex situations who experience crises and require support from the education team.

The Statutory Virtual School team offers support, advice, and guidance on all aspects of education, employment and training to any professional who works with and supports this group of young people.   

Support available includes: 

• Support ahead of Personal Education Planning (PEP) meetings where a young person is on a school or college roll and there is a concern about their progress and academic achievement 
• Attendance at other professional meetings such as Team Around the Child (TAC), Team Around the School (TAS) and reintegration meetings following discussion
• Pupil Premium Grant funding requests and its effective use to ensure the best outcomes for young people 
• Immediate involvement around a young person who is in crisis or experiencing significant challenges linked to their status as a Child Looked After. For example, due to placement breakdown resulting in a school move or placement out of county
• General queries or requests for information around education, employment or training that involves a Child Looked After

As part of our universal offer the Statutory Virtual School will attend PEP meetings where a Child Looked After is not on a school roll, has a specialist SEND package in place, is Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) or where there is no Designated Teacher.