Statutory Virtual School
- Care and support
- Education and learning
- Information, advice and guidance
Description
The Statutory Virtual School has a specific role to champion the educational achievement, attendance, progress and wellbeing of children who are supported through social care arrangements.
Although it is called a “Virtual School”, it is not a school and does not provide teaching directly. Instead, it works with settings, carers, social workers and other professionals to ensure children and young people receive the best possible educational opportunities.
The Statutory Virtual School supports:
- Children Looked After (CLA) – Children and young people who are in the care of the Local Authority.
- Previously Looked After Children (PLAC) – Children who were previously in care and are now subject to:
- Adoption Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Children with a Social Worker – promote the educational outcomes of children who have, or have previously had, a social worker.
- Children in Kinship Care Arrangements – advice and support to improve educational outcomes for children living in kinship care arrangements.
The Statutory Virtual School:
- Champions high aspirations and achievement.
- Promotes school attendance and engagement.
- Supports educational stability.
- Leads and quality assures Personal Education Plans (PEPs).
- Works with schools, carers, social workers and health services.
- Provides advice, guidance and training to professionals.
- Promotes inclusion and removes barriers to learning.
- Oversees the effective use of Pupil Premium Plus and other education funding.
Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
Every child in care must have a Personal Education Plan (PEP). A PEP:
- Identifies strengths and needs.
- Records educational progress and aspirations.
- Sets agreed targets and actions.
- Ensures the child’s voice is central to planning.
- Helps schools and professionals work together to improve outcomes.
Accessing the Virtual School
For all enquires related to Children Looked After and Previously Looked After please email the Statutory Virtual School: CLAEducation@somerset.gov.uk
Type of provision
Targeted - Extra help for some people, usually after someone has made a referral
Contact information
- Phone:0300 123 2224
- Website:Statutory Virtual School website
- Email:CLAEducation@somerset.gov.uk
Accessibility and adjustments
- Wheelchair access: No