Students
Believe, aim high, be aspirational
What is the Virtual School? What do we do?
Our job, in the Virtual School, is to check out how all of our children in care are doing in their education.
We do this by asking the schools or educational settings every term how everyone is doing. When things are hard, the Virtual School achievement officers work with key people in schools and settings to ask questions to the students like:
- Are you feeling overwhelmed? How can we help to reduce this pressure?
- What might be the reason that things have got difficult?
- Is the work too easy or too hard?
- What do you want to be doing this time next year? How can we help you get there?
Work readiness programme
At Nottinghamshire Virtual School we want to support all our young people in care, to help prepare you for life after school, and to help you achieve your aspirations. This is why we developed the Work Readiness Programme.
The programme aims to give all young people in care in Nottinghamshire information they need and access to resources, so we can can support you when planning and thinking about your future.
The Work Readiness Programme contains activities, information and resources to help you on your journey to identifying and achieving your ambitions.
Find out more about the Work Readiness Programme
Communication with the Virtual School and the other adults around you
You are the person who really knows what is going on for you. As a Virtual School, we want you to have your thoughts and feelings heard. There are a number of ways of doing this. These include:
Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings
If you are in care, the government says that your school and social worker need to work closely together to make sure that you are having a good educational experience. They need to meet regularly to make sure this is happening. This is called a PEP meeting. You are always invited to participate in your PEP meetings which should happen once a term.
If you decide not to attend there are a number of ways you can get your voice heard. Speak to your social worker or another trusted person about how to do this.
Looked After Child (LAC) Review
These meetings happen once a year, or more often if needed. Education is always discussed at these meetings and your school or education provider will attend.
Mental health
For information, advice and where to access support for mental health, visit Local mental health advice and help for young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire at NottAlone.
Upcoming events
Coram Voice writing competition (Closes 17 December)
Coram Voice has launched their annual creative writing competition for children and young people in care, and young care leavers. Coram Voice is a charity who are working to champion care-experienced young people and they want to get your voices heard.
The theme of this year’s competition is ‘What Makes Me Different?’ and entries can be in any written form including poems, short stories, raps or newspaper articles, with a 500-word limit. There are four age categories: primary school (5-10), lower secondary school (age 11-14), upper secondary school (age 15-17) and care leavers (age 18-25). Entries to be submitted by 17 December 2023.
College open days
Thinking about applying to college?
Book your space on the upcoming open days
Nottingham College - Open Evenings - Nottingham College
North Notts College - Open Events - North Notts College (nnc.ac.uk)
West Notts College - Open events, tours and tasters - West Notts College (wnc.ac.uk)
Newark/Lincoln College - Open Days, Lincoln College
NCC Employability Briefings
The next wave of briefings are here! Opening the doors to employment opportunities for care experienced young people. Just ask for the relevant briefing flyer, and the briefing registration form. To register your young people for the visits email Rebecca.dixon@nottscc.gov.uk
More to Follow
We have been overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity, encouragement and inspiration from local, regional and national businesses.
These employability briefings are designed to provide Looked After Children & Care Leavers (aged 16-25) with an insight into the world of employment - A starting point for further career aspiration & development.
The world of Business really is making a difference!
