The Virtual School: Children in Care

The aim of the Virtual School is to improve the educational outcomes of children in care and those previously looked after. It uses the same structure as a traditional school but does not actually exist in a building.
 

Children in Care

Children in care are placed on a "virtual" school register, even though they may be physically spread across schools within the local authority and beyond. 

This approach allows us to help, monitor and raise the profile of children in care more effectively.

The Virtual School is made up of:

Robin Douglas

• Role: Virtual School Headteacher
• Email: robin.douglas@westberks.gov.uk

Carla Cumberland

• Role: Teacher Consultant (Safeguarding Lead)
• Email: carla.cumberland@westberks.gov.uk

Sarah Whatmore

• Role: Teacher Consultant (Early Years)
• Email: sarah.whatmore@westberks.gov.uk

Karishma McKendrick

• Role: Teacher Consultant (SENCO)
• Email: karishma.mckendrick@westberks.gov.uk

Helen Beckett

• Role: Teacher Consultant (Literacy and Numeracy Lead)
• Email: helen.beckett@westberks.gov.uk

Liane Chard

• Role: Consultant (UASC Lead)
• Email: liane.chard@westberks.gov.uk

Sue Shephard

• Role: Virtual School Business Manager
• Email: susan.shephard@westberks.gov.uk
   

Personal Education Planning (PEP)

All children in care must have an up-to-date Personal Education Plan. This is reviewed on a termly basis.

The PEP involves children and young people, foster carers, designated teachers and other key people with the aim of ensuring educational progress.

Designated Teachers can use the  virtual school's feedback document [22KB]  to request information from teaching staff.

Once received, Designated Teachers should submit their information a week before the date of the PEP, using the online PEP submission form.
 

Pupil Premium Plus (PPP)

All children in care can receive additional funding to promote progress in school. Funding is discussed and approved through the PEP process. 

The Virtual School publishes its PPP Policy on an annual basis.
 

Advice and Training

The Virtual School offers advice and training to the following groups:

• social workers
• foster carers
• West Berkshire schools  
• designated teachers for children in care
• parents of previously looked after children