What is Shropshire Virtual School? We are the Education Champions in the Local Authority for children and young people in care to Shropshire. We can also provide advice around education for Previously Looked After children and those who have a Social Worker. We work hard to ensure that our children and those leaving care have the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential and improve their life chances.

We don’t exist in real terms, or in a school building – and children attend their own school where they are on roll. The Virtual School supports at meetings and events (in person or online) and our team is based at offices in Shrewsbury.

Our team promotes education, achievement and wellbeing and we influence policy and practice that affects our learners. We advise and work closely with schools/settings and other professionals such as social workers, independent reviewing officers, health and foster carers to support our children to fulfil their potential. The Virtual School provides training to professionals on matters that are important for our children - and we aim to improve our pupils’ access to services.

Shropshire Virtual School supports three ‘families’ of children, those being

• Looked-After Children (or Children Looked-After)
• Previously Looked-After Children
• Children With a Social Worker

Looked-After Children

As we are part of the Corporate Parent for our children and young people in care, we are mindful to promote a way of working that asks the question “would this be good enough for my own child?”. A key part of this is that we promote high aspirations for our learners by enjoying and celebrating their achievements across a wide range of activities.

We also manage the Pupil Premium + budget to target money towards the things our children in care need to be successful in their education, employment or training… so it is important we hear their voice around the things that are important to them so we can act in their best interests.

Take a look at this ‘at a glance’ guide for looked-after children to see how we can support you.

Previously Looked-After Children

Take a look at this ‘at a glance’ guide for previously looked-after children to see how we can support you.

Children with a Social Worker

Take a look at this ‘at a glance’ guide for children with a social worker to see how we can support you.

Take a look at our School Development Plan.