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

Please see The Prince's Trust current newsletter and programme posters.

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!