Education support for looked after children
The Virtual School
Hammersmith and Fulham have set up a new Virtual School for looked after children, with an experienced Headteacher, leading a staff team with qualified teachers.
The Virtual School is not a “teaching” institution. It is a model by which the authority can provide services and support for the education of children in care and a constructive challenge to those providing the services.
Aim is to…
‘help children in care to gain a first class education throughout their childhood, including making sure they get into the right school for them and are given the best possible support through the education system.’
The Headteacher of the Virtual School is responsible for the education of all Looked after Children aged 3 -18 years (approx. 270) who attend school in Hammersmith and Fulham, and also those who are the responsibility of Hammersmith and Fulham and live and attend school elsewhere.
The staff team consists of Headteacher, Senior Advisory Teacher, five teachers, a Connexions PA, the Educational Support Worker in the Young People’s Service and the Looked after Children Nurses Team, supported by the Business Support Officer.
Objectives:
- improved outcomes for looked after children
- close monitoring of pupils’ progress through a greater involvement of teaching staff in setting targets
- monitoring progress and targeting those learners who need extra support
- close tracking and monitoring of poor attendance and exclusions of looked after children
- improved support for carers and improved accountability
- more efficient use of resources.
The aim of this new provision is to give looked after children better opportunities to access high quality and appropriate educational provision and services, to enable them to achieve and succeed in preparation for adult life.
Contact details
Headteacher - Terry Baker 0208 753 3931
Senior Advisory - Teacher Diana Samuelson 0208 753 3936
Address:
2nd Floor, Barclay House,
Effie Road
London SW6 1EN
Page last updated: 29/10/2009
