How it works
The virtual school model is used to support the education of some children in our community. Statutory guidance relating to the virtual school Head's duties includes:
- Cared-for Children
- Previously Looked After Children (PLAC)
- Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Children (UASC)
- Children With a Social Worker (CWSW)
- children in kinship (living with a family member)
- children with an adoption and special guardianship order
Read the virtual school Head’s full role and guidance on GOV.UK
Aims of the wider virtual school
Our aim is to improve the outcomes for all children and young people supported by the virtual school. This means reaching their full educational potential and succeeding in adult life.
Building Underdeveloped Sensorimotor Systems (BUSS) is a model used for children who have experienced early developmental disruption. We can use the BUSS model to offer school readiness and one-to-one programmes.
Read the BUSS model's full background at bussmodel.org
We also provide advice and training to other groups in the community who work with our children. This involves developing a community that is trauma informed.
We can advise on topics such as:
- attendance
- unmet Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) needs
- relational policies
- facilitating effective communication
Find guidance on working together to improve school attendance at GOV.UK
Further advice
You can get support and financial help if someone else’s child is living with you full time.
View further guidance on looking after someone else’s child on GOV.UK
Many national charities offer resources to non-biological parents and carers.
Get support and advice about raising a child as a family member or friend at kinship.org.uk
Find more information about adoption and permanency at pac-uk.org
Contact us
Virtual School Team
Email: advice.virtualschool@cumbria.gov.uk