Virtual School

The Virtual School is not a physical school; it does not have a building or classrooms. The school is made up of children who are currently looked after by Lancashire County Council, some children who have previously been looked after by the Lancashire County Council and children who live in Lancashire and are 'looked after' by other local authorities.

Like any school the Virtual School has a head teacher and in Lancashire her name is Audrey Swann. The Virtual Head is responsible for making sure that the children enrolled in the school have access to improving educational experiences and outcomes.

Why is the Virtual School important?

Children who are looked after by local authorities across Britain have historically not had the opportunities to access education, and achieve, in line with their peers. The Virtual School tracks the educational progress of each child and ensures that no child is left behind in terms of their education.

What does the Virtual School do?

The Virtual School makes sure that everyone is working together to support children to reach their potential by:

• Making sure that professionals know what support a child is entitled to.
• Keeping up to date records about children who are included in the Virtual School.
• Keeping schools and colleges informed if they have a pupil who is 'on roll' in the Virtual School.
• Making sure that professionals understand how Personal Education Plans should be completed for children to get the most out of their education.
• Make sure that there is no 'drift or delay' if children need to access different schools, colleges or other types of education.
• Make sure that everyone keeps the educational achievement of children as a high priority.
• Complete reports on the attainment of the whole of the Virtual School – as any other school does.