How we provide educational opportunities
The Westmorland and Furness Virtual School aims for all cared-for children to have the best educational opportunities. They should:
- have an appropriate school place
- make good progress from their starting points
- have a high-quality Personal Education Plan (PEP) in place
Our team will:
- provide advice to schools on the effective use of the Pupil Premium Plus for school-aged children in care
- work to improve the attendance of any children in care where this is a problem
- work to reduce suspensions and exclusions for children in care
- deliver training to schools, designated teachers, carers, children’s services personnel and other partner agencies
All professionals working collaboratively to support our cared-for children should have high aspirations for them.
Request advice and PEP documents
The Virtual School has created various guides to PEPs for children in care, including:
- information for schools, designated teachers, CLA leads and social workers
- a framework for creating ‘Outstanding’ PEPs
For a copy, please contact our team.
Virtual School PEPs Team
Email: peps.virtualschool.waf@cumbria.gov.uk
Post-16 offer
In England, young people must stay in education or training until they are 18.
View the options available to young people after leaving full-time school on inspira.co.uk
We aim for young people (aged 16 to 25) to continue accessing education, employment or training. We do this by:
- tracking their termly progress during Year 12 and Year 13
- sourcing Ofsted-rated Good and Outstanding educational placements
- quality-assuring post-16 Personal Education Plans (PEPs)
- representing the Virtual School at local, regional, and national post-16 events
- overseeing a Virtual College, which offers guidance between 18 and 25 years old