Virtual School - Training

The Virtual School provides training regarding the education of looked after and previously looked-after children.

All training events are free and offered online. Bookings are made via Eventbrite and ticket sales will close one week prior to the event. See details below.

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.

Course description: This course gives an overview of how foster carers can promote the educational attainment of their child and how residential staff can meet their statutory education standards.

Whilst 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.

Topics covered include:

the learning environment
educational resources
school attendance
achieving educational goals
partnership working with school
advocating for your child
the PEP

Training 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.

Course description: This course provides an overview of the requirements upon the Designated Teacher to fulfil their role effectively for looked-after and previously looked-after children.

Topics covered include:

voice of the child
pupil premium plus
raising awareness and staff training
SEN
mental health
partnership working
admissions

Training 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.

Course description: This course provides an overview of the requirements upon the Designated Teacher to fulfil their role effectively for looked-after and previously looked-after children.

Topics covered include:

voice of the child
pupil premium plus
raising awareness and staff training
SEN
mental health
partnership working
admissions

Training dates

PEP quality training

Target audience: School staff and social workers with access to North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire PEPs.

Course description: This course covers the expectations for a high quality PEP. As well as participants being given details about each section of the PEP, examples of good and poor quality practice will be shared.

Training dates

Governor training

Target audience: Nominated governors for looked-after and previously looked-after children and / or interested governors and Chairs.

Course description: This course covers the importance of governors advocating for looked-after and previously looked-after children, as well as how to support and challenge the designated teacher.

The course will provide an overview of the processes and policies associated with looked-after and previously looked-after children, including pupil premium plus.

Training dates

Social care and Virtual School partnership working

Target audience: Social workers of children in care within Northamptonshire Children's Trust.

Course description: This course provides an 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

Training 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 and / or have been adopted and / or made subject to special guardianship/child arrangements order. If your child is outside this age range, you are welcome to attend.

Course description: This course explores how parents / 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 / 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

Training dates

Last updated 07 September 2023