Support for children previously in care

Our offer

As a virtual school we offer training in supporting children previously in care for schools - including staff and governors and any queries regarding support can be directed to our mailbox Virtual.SchoolsPiC@norfolk.gov.uk.

Our tiered offer of support available to families, settings, schools and professionals supporting previously in care children and young people is:

Universal

• We offer signposting, information and the ability to book single sessions of support with an adviser for previously in care.
• We are contactable for information about the Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) and guidance about claiming and use.
• We offer professional development through our course Building relationships and Support Strategies for Previously in Care hosted in person across the county with follow up surgery opportunities hosted on MS Teams. Please see our Virtual School PD offer for dates.
• For new Designated Teachers to role, information about your duties to support Previously in Care pupils are included in the Developing your Designated Teacher Role training offered by the Virtual School. Please see our Virtual School PD offer for dates.

Targeted

• Advice and signposting for individual children or young people with the parents' or guardians' consent regarding educational matters. The team operates using a referral form initially completed by home, social worker or school/setting. This must be completed and returned to our mailbox Virtual.SchoolsPiC@norfolk.gov.uk. Our mailbox is triaged every Thursday during term time where an adviser will be allocated to support.
• We offer support setting up our Voluntary Personal Education Plans (VPEPs) for previously in care pupils and provide training and resources to ensure quality and support schools and setting in implementing.
• Guide and support to schools in becoming trauma and attachment aware.
• Participation events for children previously in care and young people.

Bespoke

• Where schools and settings have engaged our support through our universal and targeted offer, there may be occasions where we remain contactable as part of the team of professionals offering support. We work closely with our partners across Children's Services and will always work to ensure that the child or young person is being supported by the team best placed to advise.

Referring to the virtual school

If you have a query regarding a specific child or young person please gain their parents' or guardians' permission and the email Virtual.SchoolsPiC@norfolk.gov.uk to discuss how we can help.