All children have a right to an education. For children and young people with care experience this may mean that additional support is required during their time in school to meet their needs. That support is provided by the virtual headteacher via the virtual school.
The virtual headteacher acts as a local authority champion, whose core purpose is to bring about improvements in the education of care experienced children and young people and those who are furthest from engagement; to promote their educational achievement, as if they were in a single school.
Ensuring that all our young people receive a high quality education is the foundation for improving their lives and ensuring that they move into a positive destination beyond school.
The virtual school does not exist in real terms, or as a building. Children and young people do not attend it - they remain the responsibility of the school at which they are enrolled.
Virtual School Clackmannanshire is simply an organisational tool which has been created for the effective co-ordination of support for this vulnerable group at a strategic and operational level.
This includes ensuring that all young people have access to appropriate and timely support by collaborating with relevant professionals and developing plans, which are of a high quality, with impact and outcomes followed up.
This will require the creation of appropriate support packages with partners, including third sector colleagues, community learning and development and college, that best meet the needs of young people with Additional Support Needs, enabling them to enter positive, post-school destinations.
Education
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: education@clacks.gov.uk