Management Information Sheet

A key part of the work of Norfolk Virtual School for looked after and previously looked after children is to work in partnership with the schools and settings which the young people attend. This includes a specific duty to promote their educational achievement wherever they live or attend school and is set out in the statutory guidance 'Promoting the education of looked after and previously looked after children' (Department for Education, February 2018).

Norfolk Virtual School for looked after and previously looked after children wants to ensure every school has a visit from a representative of Norfolk Virtual School within this academic year. This will be in addition to any meetings which we may have attended in respect of individual looked after children. It will provide a chance to discuss any particular opportunities or challenges and to gather examples of best practice which can then contribute to a developing resource bank.

A colleague will contact you to agree a date for the meeting and will share the proforma which will be used during the half-day visit. This has been developed using the models in Essex and Hertfordshire virtual schools as a starting point and in discussion with Norfolk school colleagues. The visit will look at all aspects of the school provision for Norfolk looked after children and the Adviser will agree with the school in advance the most appropriate people to be involved; this should include a short meeting with a governor reflecting the expectations set out in the Department for Education statutory guidance.

Following the visit you will receive a short report which will not be signed off until all parties have agreed. The visits will take place during the Spring and Summer term and should provide a valuable resource as part of your ongoing monitoring and planning in respect of looked after children.