How can I support the school placement?

AfC Virtual School values the vital role that carers play in supporting children’s education. We know that Looked After Children achieve significantly better educational outcomes when carers:

• Provide a quiet, dedicated space at home for learning and actively engage in the child’s education.

• Take an active interest in the school timetable and ensure the child arrives prepared for each day’s learning.

• Attend parent evenings and school events to show commitment and encouragement.

• Support school policies, including behaviour, dress code, and planner signing, and maintain positive communication with the school, Children’s Services, and the Virtual School to work collaboratively in the child’s best interest.

• Prioritise attendance and punctuality. Nationally, Looked After Children tend to excel in this area thanks to excellent carer support.

• Establish clear routines, boundaries, consequences, and rewards to support emotional wellbeing.

• Encourage participation in extracurricular activities to develop new skills, broaden learning, and extend social networks.

• Maintain high expectations regarding educational success.

• Listen to the child’s concerns about school and share relevant issues appropriately with the school.

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The role of schools in supporting children in care

AfC Virtual School works closely with Designated Teachers in schools and colleges to provide support, training, and, where necessary, challenge.

Looked After Children’s educational progress improves greatly when schools:

• Provide education of a high standard, meeting statutory requirements for Children Looked After to attend Ofsted-rated Good or Outstanding settings.

• Work collaboratively with carers, social workers, and the Virtual School.

• Attend ePEPs, Professional Meetings, and Reviews, rigorously following up on agreed targets throughout the term.

• Ensure Designated Teachers and School Governors attend training offered by the Virtual School.

• Use Pupil Premium funding effectively, monitoring and sharing its impact through the ePEP.

• Prioritise attendance and implement strategies to reduce absence.

• Understand attachment issues and the impact of early trauma, with systems in place to meet the specific needs of Looked After Children.

• Reflect the needs of Looked After Children in policies and practices, including clear induction procedures, use of breakout spaces, and ensure the Designated Teacher is well trained and influential within the school.

• Use early intervention to avoid fixed-term exclusions and manage behaviour through positive approaches.

• Foster an inclusive ethos where all staff hold high expectations for every child.

• Provide educational stability, recognising school as a protective factor, with statutory duties to maintain consistent schooling wherever possible.

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What support does AfC Virtual School offer carers?

AfC Virtual School staff regularly attend Fostering Forums, provide Letterbox parcels, send updates by email, and offer training opportunities.

We encourage all carers to get in touch with the Virtual School team for advice on any school-related matters. We are keen to attend ePEPs where you feel our involvement would benefit the student.

We encourage all carers to contact the AfC Virtual School team if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s education. We are here to offer advice and support and would be happy to attend ePEPs if you feel our involvement would benefit the student.