Help me make my Virtual School the best it can be

[Nerdybirdy]

I’ve recently been appointed the Head of a Virtual School for cared for children, starting in September. My background is teaching and I’ve had lots of roles including SEN, safeguarding and Designated Teacher for CIC, so from an educational point of view I feel prepared, but it’s still a very different role moving to the LA and I want to get it right and make sure the best provision is in place for our children and YP. I’d love to know from carers, what support/resources you’ve had from the VS that have helped, anything you wish they offered, or conversely anything you’ve not liked or found helpful for the children or you? Thank you.

Virtual schools here offer all school one paid for place on the Trauma Informed Schools training.

Our link - I’m not sure what her role is, but the person who does the PEPs is absolutely brilliant. She knows and remembers staff and young people and is always up for championing everyone. I love PEP meetings because I come away feeling like we are all doing a good job.

Advocacy for the children in care is a big one. I once worked with a VS head who fought very hard for children to get into the best school for them and also fought exclusions very hard. When I say "fought" I mean a mixture of being very clear on the law and children's rights, and also creative in terms of working with the schools to find solutions - additional support, different timetables, etc. Not that she was always all guns blazing. Also ensuring PEPs are timely and EHCPs done in a decent timeframe.