Virtual School - Training
The Virtual School provides training regarding the education of looked after and previously looked-after children.
All training events are free. Demand for training is mostly for online only, but a couple of sessions remain open as in-person events at One Angel Square.
Bookings are made via Eventbrite and ticket sales will close one week prior to the event.
New for 22/23 - 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 02 December 2022