Virtual School - Training
The Virtual School provides training about the education of looked after and previously looked-after children.
All courses are free and offered online. Bookings are made via Eventbrite and ticket sales will close one week prior to the event.
Carers of children in care: Promoting the education of looked-after children
Target audience: Foster carers and children’s home staff who care for looked-after children.
Description: Overview of how foster carers can promote the educational attainment of their child and how residential staff can meet their statutory education standards.
While each group has slightly different standards to meet, there is a great deal of overlap and all topics covered represent good practice for both groups including:
- the learning environment
- educational resources
- school attendance
- achieving educational goals
- partnership working with school
- advocating for your child
- the PEP
Session slides and certificates
A copy of the session slides and a certificate will be sent to you, and the training marked as complete, once your evaluation form is returned.
Dates
New to the role of designated teacher for looked-after and previously looked-after children
Target audience: Designated teachers, new to role, for looked-after and previously looked-after children.
Description: Overview of the requirements upon the Designated Teacher to fulfil their role effectively for looked-after and previously looked-after children including:
- voice of the child
- pupil premium plus
- raising awareness and staff training
- SEN
- mental health
- partnership working
- admissions
Session slides and certificates
A copy of the session slides and a certificate will be sent to you, and the training marked as complete, once your evaluation form is returned.
Dates
Refresher designated teacher training
Target audience: Experienced designated teachers for looked-after and previously looked-after children from reception to Year 11. We recommend this refresher once every 3 years.
Description: An overview of the requirements of the designated teacher to fulfil their role effectively for looked-after and previously looked-after children including:
- voice of the child
- pupil premium plus
- raising awareness and staff training
- SEN
- mental health
- partnership working
- admissions
Session slides and certificates
A copy of the session slides and a certificate will be sent to you, and the training marked as complete, once your evaluation form is returned.
Dates
New dates will be published before the start of the 2024/2025 academic year.
PEP quality training
Target audience: School staff and social workers with access to North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire PEPs.
Description: The expectations for a high quality PEP, details about each section and examples of good and poor quality practice.
Session slides and certificates
A copy of the session slides and a certificate will be sent to you, and the training marked as complete, once your evaluation form is returned.
Dates
New dates will be published before the start of the 2024/2025 academic year.
Governor training
Target audience: Nominated governors for looked-after and previously looked-after children, interested governors and chairs.
Description: The importance of governors advocating for looked-after and previously looked-after children, as well as how to support and challenge the designated teacher.
Overview of the processes and policies associated with looked-after and previously looked-after children, including pupil premium plus.
Session slides and certificates
A copy of the session slides and a certificate will be sent to you, and the training marked as complete, once your evaluation form is returned.
Dates
Social care and Virtual School partnership working
Target audience: Social workers of children in care within Northamptonshire Children's Trust.
Description: Overview of how social workers can effectively promote the education of looked-after children through partnership working with the Virtual School.
Topics covered include:
- think parent
- school moves and applications
- special Educational Needs and EHC plans
- good communication with school
- non-mainstream schools
- the PEP
Session slides and certificates
A copy of the session slides and a certificate will be sent to you, and the training marked as complete, once your evaluation form is returned.
Dates
Parents and guardians of previously looked after Children: promoting the education of previously looked-after children
Target audience: Parents and guardians of children from reception to Year 11 who:
- were previously in state care
- have been adopted
- made subject to special guardianship or child arrangements order.
If your child is outside this age range, you are welcome to attend.
Description: How parents or guardians can work with schools effectively to support their child's education. It explores the duties of schools regarding previously looked-after children and advises on how parents or guardians can best advocate in their child’s interest. Areas covered include:
- best practice recommendations given to schools
- the importance of building positive relationships with schools
- the Virtual School’s role
- the educational achievement of previously looked-after children
- how Pupil Premium works for previously looked-after children
- information sharing
- school admission arrangements
- special educational needs
- choosing a good school
- managing challenging behaviour in schools
Session slides
A copy of the session slides will be sent to you, once your evaluation form is returned.
Dates
Last updated 24 April 2024