The Virtual School acts as a local authority champion to promote the progress and educational attainment of children and young people who are or who have been in care so that they achieve educational outcomes comparable to their peers. Ensuring that they receive a high quality education is the foundation for improving their lives.
The school does not exist in real terms, or as a building. Children do not attend it - they remain the responsibility of the school at which they are enrolled. VSK is simply an organisation which has been created for the effective co-ordination of educational services at a strategic and operational level.
What do we do?
- Influence policy and develop and improve services.
- Promote individual achievement and wellbeing.
- 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.
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 Co-ordinator identify children that are eligible for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Gather evidence in order to make and support claims.
Business Support Team ensure the virtual school runs smoothly. Provide first point of contact for enquiries and maintain administration support for the service.
Virtual School Kent Advisory Team offer advice and champion the needs of children who have or have had a social worker and previously looked after children.