Virtual school resources for young people
Havering Virtual School works to ensure that the voices of children in care are heard, particularly in relation to their education and aspirations.
By actively listening to the needs, desires, and challenges faced by these children, the virtual school aims to create a supportive environment that allows each child to thrive academically and personally.
Havering Virtual School and Shaw Trust work together to ensure that young people in care have access to good quality post 16 education, employment and training.
The Virtual School post 16 team and Shaw Trust provide specialist support advice and guidance tailored to individuals aged 16+ (including Year 11) as they transition from Year 11 into post 16 education, training or employment.
Overall, Havering Virtual School ensures that children in care are not only heard but actively supported in achieving their fullest potential.
The virtual school work with the participation team to promote activities and engagement for young people in care including:
- Say it Louder Forum
- Children in Care Council
- Children in Care Youth Club
- Train the Trainer Training
The Virtual Schools Post 16 Team expects that every young person will:
- achieve their full potential
- take up and attend a full time education, apprenticeship, training or employment opportunity
To support young people the Virtual School team will:
- raise the aspirations and attainment of young people in care
- raise awareness of the importance of education and lifelong learning with all people associated with young people in care
- help create opportunities for young people in care to achieve success in their educational careers
- work closely with all agencies to improve educational opportunities for young people in care
- offer mentoring services
The Virtual School Post 16 team offers a spectrum of support according to need that can be defined as follows.
- Strategic monitoring and tracking
- Careers advice and guidance
- Intensive interventions to remove barriers, raise self-awareness, motivation and aspirations to enable progression towards Education, Employment and Training (EET)
Useful links
Free learning tools
- BBC Bitesize
- Learn English - Free Online Course for Beginners
- ESOL Courses - Free English Lessons Online
- Free courses - Open Educational Resources at The Open University
- Free Short Courses in London - Capital City College Group