The Virtual School serves as a champion for the local authority, dedicated to promoting the educational progress and attainment of children and young people who are currently or have previously been in care, those who are supported or have been supported by a social worker, and those living in formal kinship care arrangements. Its core mission is to ensure these young people achieve educational outcomes on par with their peers, recognising that access to high-quality education is fundamental to improving their life chances.
Although referred to as a "school," the Virtual School is not a physical institution and does not have enrolled pupils. Children and young people remain the responsibility of the schools they attend. Virtual School Kent (VSK) is simply the organisation that effectively co-ordinates the educational services at a strategic and operational level to ensure the best possible outcomes for these children and young people.
What do we do?
- Influence policy and develop and improve services.
- Promote individual achievement and well being.
- Provide advice, support and training to professionals, schools, colleges and institutions.
- Improve access to specialist services.
- Provide access to professional advice and guidance on education, training and employment.
- Provide additional opportunities for out of school learning and leisure.
- Facilitate access to early education and child care.
How are we organised?
Virtual School Kent comprises of a Headteacher and the following roles:
Deputy Heads ensure statutory duties and best practice standards are met, particularly in relation to the health and education of children in care, identifying areas of development and challenging strategic and operational practice are a key part of this role.
Assistant Heads track and monitor the progress of Kent CiC in their area, co-ordinating and deploying VSK support to raise their attainment according to an assessment of their needs.
Virtual School Kent Advisory Team offer advice and champion the needs of children who have or have had a social worker, previously looked after children and those living in formal kinship care.
Fostering Education Liaison Officers work directly with carers and parents, empowering them and their children to get the most out of the educational opportunities available to them.
Education Support Officers work with schools to raise attainment and build the wider skills of children and young people.
KS4 Progression Advisors support, guide and advise year 11 students on a successful progression towards post 16 education or work related training destinations that match their needs well.
Post16 Support Officers work with young people in Years 12 and 13 attending College, training providers, working or those that are in need of accessing a provision.
Education Welfare Officer build effective communication channels with schools and other educational providers to compile and maintain accurate data on attendance of CiC.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Coordinators Identify children who may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), gather and compile evidence to support and submit claims on their behalf.
Business Support Team ensure the virtual school runs smoothly. Provide first point of contact for enquiries and maintain administration support for the service.