Harrow Virtual School

The Virtual School supports children and young people who are, or have been, in care.

The London Borough of Harrow Virtual School has a legal duty to support:

• Children looked after (CLA) – children who are currently in care.
• Previously looked after children (PCLA) – children who have been in care but are no longer.
• Care leavers (CL) – young people who have left care.

The Virtual School helps children and young people reach their full education potential.

Children and young people supported by the Virtual School are already enrolled at a school, college or other education setting. They do not attend a separate virtual school.

How does the Virtual School help?

Many children in care and care leavers enjoy learning. Many also meet or exceed their expected educational outcomes. However, children in care can face extra challenges in education. Nationally, they often have lower educational outcomes than children who have not been in care.

We want every child and young person to have a positive experience of education. We also want them to have the right support to achieve their goals.

The Virtual School brings together education information about children in care in Harrow. This gives us a clear picture of each child's progress. It also helps us identify where extra support may be needed.

We can then work with schools and other services to provide the right support at the right time.

How is the Virtual School managed?

The Virtual School has a Headteacher. The Headteacher has a legal role within every local authority in England. They help make sure children in care receive the education support they need.

The Headteacher can work with:

• Schools and other education settings.
• London Borough of Harrow services.
• Other organisations and agencies.
• Professionals supporting children and young people.

They can also challenge services when needed. This helps improve education outcomes for children in care and care leavers.

Supporting children with a social worker

Since September 2021, the Virtual School has also had a wider role. This role is to provide a strategic overview of children with a social worker (CWSW).

The Virtual School does not act as their school. Instead, it works with education services to understand their needs and improve support.

From September 2024, this role also includes children living in kinship arrangements.

Our aim is simple: to help children and young people get the education, support and opportunities they need to thrive.