Virtual School and cared for children and young people with SEND

A Virtual School isn’t an actual building or school/setting that children and young people attend. It is a ‘virtual’ school in the Local Authority (LA) that oversees cared for children and young people and their progress. The children and young people attend many different schools and settings.

Our Virtual School team is made up of Teachers and Inclusion Leads. We work closely with:

  • the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and SEND department in schools and settings
  • the Designated Teacher, in schools and settings, for cared for children
  • social workers for cared for children
  • the local authoritie's SEND Department and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Coordinators for children and young people with an EHCP or are going through the Early Help Process

What does our Virtual School do?

Our Virtual School supports children and young people who have:

  • had many different school or settings, or
  • missed a large amount of school, and/or
  • experienced stressful/traumatic events in their early childhood – also known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

How does the Virtual School support children and young people with an EHCP?

The Virtual School has duties and responsibilities with Cared For Children with an EHCP.

They must:

  • follow the SEND Code of Practice
  • make sure schools and settings are fulfilling their statutory duties
  • make sure the child/young person’s EHCP coordinates with the child/young person’s EHCP
  • give advice/support to parents and carers – this will help them engage in meetings with the SENCo and other professionals in the school
  • ensure everyone is working in partnership

How do we ensure cared for children are supported?

A large number of children and young people may not have had a diagnosis when they become Cared For. Everyone will work together to ensure any undiagnosed SEND is addressed.

Any relevant assessments and referrals as soon as possible. These will involve:

  • the Virtual School
  • social workers
  • the child/young person’s school
  • the child/young person’s carers and the child/young person themselves

The LA should avoid any delays for Cared For children and young people. Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessments should be completed in the shortest possible timescale. Meeting the needs of a Cared For child or young person with SEND, is a crucial part of avoiding the breakdown of their care placement.

Children and Social Work Act (2017)

This act widened the LA’s duties to include children and young people who were previously cared for. These children and young people are called Care Experienced. 

Our Virtual School must provide suitable advice and information to promote the educational achievement of Care Experienced children and young people.

Visit Cumberland Council's website to find out more about our Virtual School.