Dudley’s looked after children are encouraged to take part in out of school activities to help build personal and social skills, raise educational achievement and improve life chances.
The Virtual School is directly involved in promoting and/or running a number of initiatives. If you would like more information about any of the items listed below or need advice in finding appropriate activities for young people to take part in please contact the Virtual School on 01384 813493 or complete the online form at the bottom of this page.
Voicebox
Voicebox is a club for kids who want to have fun, make new friends and have a go at singing, rapping, writing songs and ultimately making a CD. The club runs weekly for young people aged 8-13.
If you are aged 14-19 and love music you could help out at VOICE BOX. You will work with professional musicians supporting the children taking part in the project.
For more information contact Sue Holmes on 01384 813495 or complete the form below and she will get back to you.
The Letterbox Club
The Letterbox Club aims to improve educational achievement for Looked after Children aged 7-11. Children receive a regular package containing a book, maths activities and stationery. The packs are sent out between June and October which help bridge the gap in educational provision during the summer holidays.
A pilot project ran very successfully in 2008 in partnership with Leicester University. As a result projects have been run with all year 3 and year 5 children and a small group of year 7s. This year (2011) the project will run with all year 3 children.
Volunteer Reading
The Volunteer Reading Scheme can provide children with one to support for reading in school for a few hours each week. A small fee is payable to cover expenses and administration. Contact the Virtual School for more information.
Story Sacks
The the Virtual School still provides a range of story sacks suitable for preschool and primary age children. A story sack is a large bag which contains a children's book and supporting materials to stimulate reading activities and make shared reading a memorable and enjoyable experience. Each sack contains a variety of articles including soft toys of the book's main characters, and props and scenery that parents and other adults can use with children to bring a book to life.
Please contact the the Virtual School if you are a carer and wish to borrow a story sack or need help in accessing any other educational resources
Library Membership
The Virtual School works alongside Dudley Libraries to encourage young people to enjoy reading and become involved with their local library.
The libarary also offers or signposts educational activiites and community information for children and adults, computer training and a range of online resources.
Options Cards
The Options+ Leisure Discount Scheme offers significant savings to on leisure activities across Dudley and is available to Foster Families in Dudley. The cards must be renewed annually.
For more information telephone 01384 814179 or visit the Options+ web page.
Swimming
Swimming lessons are available to Dudley Looked after Children organised by Brierley Hill Swimming Club. Please contact the Virtual School if you require any further information.
Many of the the Virtual School resources for children have now been relocated to the DFCA Centre.
The Virtual School can provide information about educational resources on request. You can also access many resources on the internet..
Youth Club for Looked After Children
This popular club runs weekly for looked after children between the ages of 12 and 17. Please contact the Virtual School for further information.
Sycamore Adventure
The is is an amazing new adventure playground at Sycamore Green. It has been designed with the needs of all children in mind. It offers a range of specialist play equipment as well as qualified staff who will be on hand to support all children and young people to play. It includes the following:
• outdoor camp fires
• sensory room
• arts and crafts
• den building
• nature trails
• a huge slide
• storytelling surrounded by a giant dragon
• and a desert island complete with a boat
A number of closed sessions for Looked After Children are available. Please contact Sue Holmes on 01384 81349 for more information.
For more general details about the adventure playground, opening times and how to join in the fun: visit the Sycamore Adventure website or contact the team on 01384 813755 or play@sycamoreadventure.co.uk
