How the Virtual School Works

The role of Virtual School in supporting Children in Care

Gloucestershire Virtual School promotes and supports the educational attainment and progress of children and young people in care from nursery to 18 years old, through effective collaboration with schools, social care, and other agencies. It also offers support, guidance and advice for previous children in care and children with a social worker.

Virtual School Aims

To liaise and work closely with all agencies and teams involved with children and young people in care
To raise the educational achievement for Gloucestershire's children and young people in care
To improve attendance of children and young people in care
To improve the accuracy of educational data for looked after children and use such data to inform intervention
To support access to full time educational placements
To develop the role of designated teachers in schools through regular training opportunities
To support the transition process for vulnerable children and young people in care
To ensure there are zero permanent exclusions children and young people in care
To ensure that students are in the right educational provision
To reduce challenges resulting from changes of care placement or school
To remove barriers to engagement and good attendance
School staff to ensure social workers, and carers have access to high quality training so they can help learners make progress
To plan for success now and in the future, based on a secure understanding of students' needs
There is access to an inspiring range of extended learning opportunities
To ensure that the pupil premium plus and other resources are used effectively and impact on progress
To ensure Personal Education Plans are timely and of good quality
To ensure all children in care and care leavers receive early, appropriate, and effective advice, information, and guidance
To provide advice and guidance on education for Children Children in Care

Ensuring that children in care receive a high quality education is the foundation for improving their lives. Current levels of attainment in all age groups still show that children in care are well behind the achievement levels of their peers.

Narrowing the gap between the achievement of children in care and all young people remains a high priority. Everyone involved in the life of a looked after child can support them to succeed in education and reach their full potential.

A Day In The Life Of An Education Advisor

Do you ever wonder what our Education Advisors get up to on a daily basis?

We working with the Education Psychology Service who shadowed many of our advisors for the day to show what an average day would look like.

Click here to find out more.