Published on:
14
August 2023
Two new virtual headteachers have started at the Council recently.
Forbes Maginnis (secondary) and Allison Littlejohns (primary) took on their new jobs with the Council in recent months and are now looking forward to starting their first full academic year.
Forbes and Allison are not attached to a particular school, instead it is their job to help improve the educational experiences and outcomes of our care-experienced young people.
The virtual headteacher supports care-experienced youngsters in school or other settings to make sure they achieve all their goals and to realise their full potential.
Allison’s virtual role is part of a wider education remit.
Key to this virtual headteacher role is keeping ‘The Promise’, the Scottish Government’s pledge to care-experienced young people made after the Independent care Review.
The Promise to young people who have experienced care is: “You will grow up loved, safe and respected. And by 2030, that promise must be kept.”
Colin Bruce, the Council’s chief education officer, said: “I'm delighted that we are continuing to develop creative approaches that aim to best meet the needs of our community.
“The innovation that the role of virtual headteacher brings will champion young people who are most in need of bespoke educational support.
“I'm confident that this approach will ensure positive outcomes for the young people supported by the virtual headteachers.”
Councillor Graham Lindsay, spokesperson for education, said: “Our young people in care deserve to have the same opportunities as their peers to benefit from high quality education, including progression to further and higher education, training and employment.
“These new roles offer an additional layer of support for young people and their families and should help to level the playing field for care-experienced children, improve their educational outcomes and give them a brighter future.”