Education Services

The Virtual School for Vulnerable Learners supports improving educational standards, promote inclusion and well being and so improve the life chances of Hartlepool's vulnerable learners.

Vulnerable learners within the Virtual School include (but are not exclusive to):

• Children and young people who are looked after (LAC) or are previously looked after (PLAC)
• Children and young people who have a social worker 
• Children and young people who are home educated (EHE)
• Children and young people accessing the Youth Offending Service
• Children and young people who have English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Virtual School will:

• Take the strategic lead for vulnerable learners in the Virtual School
• Identify and rigorously track and monitor the achievement of vulnerable learners
• Ensure learners in the Virtual School have a robust and effective plan that supports access to appropriate and timely support and is in keeping with relevant legislation
• Champion the educational needs of vulnerable learners in the Virtual School across the authority and those placed out of authority
• Ensure effective communication and engagement with children and young people and their parents/ carers

The Virtual School works with schools, children and young people and their families and partner agencies to support the education of vulnerable learners.

What can The Virtual School Offer?

The Virtual School will support the needs of individual children and young people, groups and organizations including:

• Provides consultation and advice to schools and social care to prioritise educational outcomes for vulnerable learners
• Monitor pupil progress, achievement, attendance and exclusions of vulnerable learners and use this information to identify appropriate intervention for those children who are experiencing difficulties.
• Supports Education Planning meetings for targeted pupils.
• Monitor the quality of Personal Education Plans (LAC) against statutory guidance and provide support to improve quality
• Provide professional development and training in relation to the education of vulnerable learners
• Oversees the allocation of Pupil Premium Plus to maximise educational outcomes for LAC