Oldham Virtual School helps make sure children in care do well in education, no matter where they live. The school doesn’t teach directly, but instead works with schools to hold them responsible for supporting these children and improving their future chances.
The Virtual School works closely with social workers, schools, and other professionals. Its aim is to make sure everyone involved understands the education needs of children in care, knows their legal responsibilities, and works together to achieve the best outcomes.
It provides advice, training, and support on many areas, including:
- School admissions and attendance
- Exclusions
- Progress and achievement
- Transitions between schools
- SEND (special educational needs and disabilities)
- Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
- Using the Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) grant effectively
The school focuses on three main areas:
- Promoting inclusion and educational success for children in care
- Giving advice and guidance to professionals
- Raising aspirations and encouraging participation
Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
Every child in care must have a PEP up until age 18. This is part of their care plan. A social worker must start the PEP within 10 working days of a child entering care and complete it within 20 working days for the first review meeting. After that, it’s reviewed every term. The plan is created together with the school, the social worker, parents/carers, and other professionals.
- Contact for PEP queries: pep.info@oldham.gov.uk
Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) Grant
This funding is designed to help children in care achieve more in education and reduce the gap between them and other pupils.
- The Virtual School manages this funding and decides how it is best used.
- It is not a personal budget for each child.
- Schools must request PP+ funding through the child’s termly PEP.
Resource Library
The Oldham Virtual School Resource Library gives helpful information and guidance for professionals, parents, carers, and young people. It provides support for Children Looked After (CLA), Previously Looked After Children (PLAC), Children with a Social Worker (CWSW), and Children in Kinship Care: