Welcome

Welcome to Heads Up this week.

In recent weeks we have been celebrating the achievements of our young people who took their GCSE and A Level exams over the summer and received their grades. We have yet to receive detailed breakdown of the grades achieved but early signs are that many of our young people achieved outstanding results.

We are extremely proud of what they have achieved but this week, we also recognised the achievements of the students of the Virtual School in a ceremony at North Warwickshire and Leicestershire College. Over 200 Children Looked After (CLA) or Children Previously Looked After (CPLA) were nominated for awards to recognise their hard work and achievements. A bit of background for any of you who aren’t familiar with the work of the Virtual School. Warwickshire Virtual School seeks to close the attainment gap between CLA and CPLA and their peers.

This requires the nurturing of positive relationships for the young people, within their own schools in which the difficulties that they are facing in their lives are understood and so the social, emotional and mental health of the young people is prioritised and promoted. This might be in any educational establishment in Warwickshire, from nursery settings through to colleges and encompasses all of our CLAs and CPLAs.

A team of experienced teachers work as advisers to schools and are being guided by the leadership of Deena Moorey, our virtual school head to monitor Personal Education Plans and work with designated teachers to ensure that our children and young people in care receive the very best education possible, as is their entitlement.

Sunday’s event was a huge success. The children were all presented on stage with a certificate and a Trophy and received rapturous applause from the audience. Prior to the Awards ceremony the children, along with all their guests, were able to enjoy fun activities such as a Surf Simulator, Laser Shooting, Glitter Tattoos and Face Painting, A Caricature painting, Pick n Mix sweet cart and lots more. The feedback from the carers has been joyous and have all expressed how proud the children felt when collecting their awards. 

So thanks to the team who have worked so hard throughout the year to support these children and young people through some very challenging times.

But most of all, we need to pass on our thanks to the young people who have worked so hard to make the Virtual School such a success.  Without their full engagement and determination to make the most out of their potential then, as outstanding as it is, the work of the Virtual School would be much less effective. Well done to all involved.

With best wishes

Ian Budd

Assistant Director for Education Services