COVID-19 UPDATE

During the Covid-19 outbreak the VSK Team are busy working to help our Children in Care, Care Leavers and Young People who were Previously Looked After. Please read the full article to find out about our learning resources, laptops and boredom buster activities….

Home Learning Booklets

We have worked with people from all over the country to develop a Home Learning Booklet which can be accessed through the Kent Cares Town website.

There are different booklets for Primary; Secondary; 16+ Transitions and an UASC version. They include information and top tips around how to set yourself up for effective home learning as well as loads of links to educational websites that can help enrich the work that the school has set students to complete. It is important to note that these booklets do not replace the work set by schools, but they are an addition, to help accelerate academic progress.

Please also spend time exploring the Kent Cares Town website as you will find lots of great activities including a music channel; VLOGS; E-Life Hacks; boredom busters and so much more.

Laptops

We are currently reviewing those young people that have no IT equipment whatsoever and are actively looking to resolve this over the next few weeks.

DfE Online Resources for Home Education

On the DfE website you will find a list of online resources for home education which includes a section with specific resources for children and young people with SEND. These are based on recommendations from charities, trusted organisations, MATs and the headteachers of specialist settings.

Previously Looked After Children

VSKs Previously Looked After Children Team are reaching out to Social Workers, Schools and Colleagues. If you know of any families with children under an Adoption, Special Guardianship or Child Arrangement Order who may need some advice around Home Learning or general educational advice, please contact the Previously Looked After Team by emailing email: VSKPLAC@kent.gov.uk

There are over 1400 Previously Looked After Children in Kent and many of them may not be aware of this service or be reluctant to ask for help. Please encourage families to contact VSK who will be able to work with the school and families to support these vulnerable children. A leaflet for parents and guardians explaining the service is available along with further resources on the VSK website

Family Fund to Support Children

The Government has announced that the Family Fund will receive funding of £37.3m in 2020-21. This includes £10m which has been allocated to help families in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The multi-million-pound settlement will help low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children with the cost of equipment, goods or services.

Please read the DfE Press Release for more details

Find out if your child is eligible

Please note that CIC are not eligible but children who are Previously Looked after could be.