Members' Week: Virtual Schools and social work - supporting the education of care experienced learners

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Virtual Schools have been a feature of the landscape in Scotland since 2019 and England since 2014 yet a series of recent publications have pointed towards a poor understanding of the valuable work they carry out. This session is an opportunity to hear from the Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection CELCIS in Scotland and the National Association of Virtual School Heads (NAVSH) in England on how virtual schools support care experienced children and young people.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: 

• Understanding Virtual Schools: An overview of the evidence base behind the virtual school model, how it influences the education system, similarities & differences between practice in Scotland and England.
• Challenges and opportunities: Explore the challenges faced by care experienced children in education and what supports them.
• The role of social work: Discover how social workers can collaborate with virtual schools to ensure that the educational needs of children are met, including advocacy, support services, and interventions that promote success.

PRESENTERS

Michael Bettencourt, Educational Consultant, University of Strathclyde

Michael Bettencourt is an Education Consultant at the Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection (CELCIS). He was previously a Virtual School Head in England. He was Teaching Fellow at UCL leading on a programme (PALAC) which supported schools to implement evidence-based practice. He is currently supporting the roll out of Virtual School Head Teachers in Scotland. He supports a Network of nineteen local authorities who are testing out the virtual school model. He has co-authored research which compares the role of virtual school heads in Scotland and England.

Fay Blyth, Virtual School Head, Waltham Forest, and Research Lead at NAVSH

Fay has over 8 years experience working as a Virtual School Head for Waltham Forest. She has also published research with University of Exeter, and University of Oxford, on improving the effectiveness of Virtual School in her role as a research lead with NAVSH. 

WHO'S IT FOR?

This session is for professionals working with care-experienced children. It offers practical strategies and insights into how you can contribute to improving the educational outcomes for these vulnerable young people.

For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).

FEES

Members: FREE (don't forget to log in to your account to receive your discount)
Non-members: £20+VAT.

Places on this event are limited, so early booking is recommended.

CONTACT

Telephone 020 7520 7520/0310

Email events@corambaaf.org.uk

MEMBERS BOOK HERE