The Virtual School: Children in Care

The core duty of the Virtual School is to improve educational outcomes for children in care (and those who have previously been in care).

Although Children in Care may be spread across many schools across the county, and even in other local authorities, they are placed onto a central, 'virtual' school register. This approach allows us to help, monitor and raise the profile of children in care more effectively.

For Children in Care under West Berkshire, we retain responsibility for their education, regardless of which local authority their school is in, as part of our duty as Corporate Parent.

The Virtual School is made up of a Virtual School Headteacher, assisted by a team of teacher consultants and co-ordinators who have a number of specialisms, including safeguarding, social work, literacy, numeracy, and Early Years Education. You can contact them by emailing virtualschool@westberks.gov.uk.