Dudley Virtual School

We have corporate parenting responsibility for 'looked after children' (CLA) and, like all parents, valuing and supporting children's education is one of the most important contributions we can make to their lives.

We want to help them maximise their access to good quality education and have the chance to achieve their full potential.

We will ensure that children and young people in care will:

have education, care and support which prepares them for their adulthood and citizenship
have equal access to educational provision and opportunities
be listened to with regard to their views and ideas
when approaching leaving school age, receive educational experiences, advice and support appropriate to their needs

What is the Virtual School?

The Virtual School provides support to children who are looked after by Dudley Council.

It is an additional resource to support and challenge all those involved in the education of CLA.

What do we do?

We work closely with colleagues from Social Care and aim to ensure that all children are placed in appropriate education provision.
Support effective delivery of Personal Education Plans and monitor their outcomes.
Identify key points in a child’s education and ensure appropriate action is taken.
Provide ongoing regular support to residential units and foster carers.
Provide advice and guidance to children, parents, carers, social workers, schools and agencies.
Provide a range of joint and specific training opportunities to raise awareness of issues and concerns relating to the educational needs of looked after children.
Encourage, support and celebrate young people’s successes and achievements. This includes the promotion of children's participation in out of school activities and projects.
Promote various initiatives to support the educational achievement of CLA in partnership with specialist services such as Connexions, Early Years and Child Psychology Services.

Our Aims

We expect that every child in care will:

have a current Personal Education Plan;

attend a full time educational placement;
achieve their potential.

School Attendance

For a looked after child, school can often be the only constant in their life. Research shows that pupils who attend school regularly achieve higher grades than those who do not.

We are committed to every Looked After Child receiving a full time education appropriate to their needs.

Our Inclusion, Welfare and Education Officer:

monitors the attendance of Looked After Children
supports parents, carers and social workers in accessing appropriate educational provision for looked after children
supports carers, pupils and schools in achieving regular school attendance
offers support and advice to carers, social workers, schools and pupils on all aspects of school attendance

Find out more on Absence and Attendance.