The Virtual School Headteacher (VSH) is the lead officer within the local authority responsible for overseeing the education of looked-after children. However, Social Workers play a vital role in supporting the educational outcomes of the young people they work with.

At AfC Virtual School, we are here to support you—please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We also offer regular training on ePEPs, educational processes, and the services provided by the Virtual School. [Details available here.]

Key Factors Influencing Educational Outcomes

Research highlights several factors that significantly impact the educational achievement of children in care:

• Length of time in care

• Age at entry into care

• Number and timing of care placements (noting that changes can sometimes be beneficial)

• Number and timing of school placements

• Type of school (mainstream/special, in-area/out-of-area, pupil referral unit)

• School Ofsted rating

• Exclusion history (frequency and duration)

• Cumulative school absence, regardless of cause (e.g. illness, exclusions, unplaced)

• Number of Social Workers involved during the care journey
  (Source: The Educational Achievement of Children in Care – Joint Policy Paper, ADCS/NVSH/DfE, 2015)

How Can Social Workers Support Education?

• Minimise school disruption: When a child enters care, efforts should be made to maintain their current school placement wherever possible. School stability is a strong protective factor and supports better academic outcomes.

• Choose education settings carefully: Looked-after children must attend schools rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. School selection should be based on the child’s individual needs.

• Consult early on school moves: If a change in education is necessary, the Virtual School should be involved at the same time as discussions about the care placement.

• Secure education within 20 days: Following an emergency placement move, a new school place must be arranged within 20 school days. The Virtual School can assist with this process.

• Lead on termly ePEPs: Social Workers are expected to initiate and lead termly Personal Education Plan (ePEP) meetings. These documents are essential for driving educational progress. All targets should be educational, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), and clearly linked to the young person’s development.

“Without education, your children can never really meet the challenges they will face. So it's very important to give children education…”
— Nelson Mandela