About Havering Virtual School
Havering Virtual School acts as a local authority champion to bring about improvements in the education and outcomes of Children in Care (CIC) and Young Care Leavers and to promote their educational achievement as if they were in a single school.
Our key objective is to ensure each CIC receives a high-quality education which will give them a secure foundation as they move into adulthood.
Havering Virtual School is responsible for raising the educational outcomes for children and young people looked-after by Havering Local authority.
Our aim is to do all we can to ensure all children in care to Havering enjoy their education, have access to the highest quality education (resources) provisions and are enabled to achieve their best possible outcomes.
Although we are not a real school with buildings and classrooms, the Virtual School works as any school to provide support and interventions to help each child achieve their best and thrive on their educational journey.
We work with our young people, designated teachers in schools, social workers, carers, families and other professionals to ensure high aspirations and targeted support is the shared goal of everyone involved with the young person.
Havering Virtual School key responsibilities and duties with a focus on supporting the educational outcomes and well-being of children and young people looked after by the Local authority.
- Work with schools, colleges, social workers, foster carers, and other stakeholders to address barriers to learning and improve behaviour, attendance, and overall outcomes for children and young people in care.
- Track the attainment, progression, and attendance of looked-after children, providing tailored support to help them reach their full potential.
- Offer training and advice to education providers, social workers, foster carers, and other professionals to promote better educational outcomes for children in care, care leavers, and children in need.
- Ensure fostering services, residential care, and alternative education providers prioritize educational success for children in care and those in need.
- Ensure effective communication and cooperation with other local authorities, especially regarding school placements, admissions, exclusions, and educational progress for children in care.
- Raise awareness of the importance of education and lifelong learning for children and young people in care.
- Work with other professionals in a multi-agency setting to improve educational outcomes for children.
- Maintain detailed tracking and monitoring systems for school admissions, attendance, attainment, and progress.
- Ensure that resources such as the pupil premium are used effectively to support children’s educational success.
- Provide out-of-school learning and leisure activities to enhance the children’s experiences and educational opportunities.
- Recognise and celebrate successes, and offer enrichment opportunities to help children thrive.
This set of responsibilities ensures a holistic approach to supporting the educational and emotional needs of children and young people in our care, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
Contact
Email: vsht@havering.gov.uk