The Virtual School for Looked After Children

What is the Virtual School?

The Virtual School is a multidisciplinary team which enables it to establish strong links with the many individuals, teams, schools and agencies that are involved in supporting the education of looked after children.

It consists of the Headteacher, three advisory teachers, an education support worker, an education welfare and liaison officer, an ICT support worker, a Connexions PA and support staff.

The service is managed by the Directorate of Children's Services.

Who is the Virtual School For?

The Virtual School provides support to children who are looked after by Dudley MBC and to those attending Dudley schools who are looked after by other local authorities.

The Virtual School does not replace the school or educational provision of a looked after child - it is an additional resource which exists to support and challenge all those involved in the education of looked after children.

The Virtual School is involved in or promotes various initiatives to support the educational achievement of looked after children. These include:

• The Private Tuition Initiative
  

• The Boarding School National Pathfinder Pilot

• A range of out of school clubs, activities and initiatives

• The provision of ICT equipment and resources.
  

• Training and advice for schools, Council staff and carers.