Children in Care

BELONG, MATTER, ARE UNIQUE

Children in Care (LAC Children) come from a range of different backgrounds and have varied experiences of care. Each child will have their own different and specific sets of needs. As a school we understand that Children in Care will usually have a experienced adverse childhood trauma and will need support during their time with us to rebuild and repair their life-story to feel safe and secure, with a focus on well-being and emotional needs. Statistics show that Children in Care usually do not achieve as well as their peers academically and we track the progress and attainment of of Children in Care closely to ensure they have the best opportunities in life from the the earliest opportunity.

How do we support as a school?

We have a dedicated team of trained people who work collaboratively to ensure our Children in Care have the best social, emotional, academic progress at least in-line with their peers and wherever possible to make accelerated progress to give them the best possible start in their education.

We work closely with our families and the local authority, meeting termly to write and discuss the child's PEP (Personal Educational Plan) It is an evolving record of what needs to happen for looked-after children to enable them to make at least expected progress and fulfil their potential. The PEP should reflect the importance of a personalised approach to learning that meets the child’s identified educational needs, raises aspirations and builds life chances. The school, other professionals and the child’s carers should use the PEP to support achieving those things.

How does the Local Authority support?

Wakefield Virtual School is a ‘virtual’ school as it does not exist as a building and children do not attend but there is a Head Teacher and staff working hard with schools and social workers for looked after children to achieve their best in attendance, attainment and achievement in school.

For further information or support, please visit the Local Authority page.