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1. Understanding Your Child's Education

Working together to help children achieve

Every child deserves a positive education, and carers are essential partners in making this happen.

We want you to understand how the education system works, what support is available and how you can help make decisions about your child's learning.

What Is Walsall Virtual School?

Walsall Virtual School is a team of education professionals who work with schools, social workers, carers and other services to promote educational achievement for children in care and previously looked-after children.

We also have a wider role in promoting better educational outcomes for children with a social worker and children in kinship care.

We are not a physical school. We work alongside the school or setting your child attends.

What Is a Designated Teacher?

Every maintained school and academy must have a designated teacher responsible for promoting the educational achievement of children in care and previously looked-after children.

The designated teacher helps coordinate support, monitor educational progress, work with carers and other professionals, and ensure that children receive appropriate help.

We encourage you to get to know your child's designated teacher and to contact them whenever you have educational concerns.

Understanding Personal Education Plans (PEPs)

All children in care must have a Personal Education Plan, usually called a PEP.

A PEP is an important part of your child's care plan. It records their educational needs, strengths, aspirations, progress and the additional support needed to help them succeed.

The plan should include:

  • Your child's views, wishes and aspirations.

  • Their strengths, interests and achievements.

  • Their progress in school.

  • Attendance and any barriers to learning.

  • Clear targets and agreed support.

  • How progress will be reviewed.

Your Role in the PEP

As a carer, your views are extremely valuable. You can share what your child enjoys, how they feel about school, what you are proud of and where they might need more support.

Before a PEP meeting, you may find it helpful to consider:

  • What is going well for my child?

  • Are they happy and settled at school?

  • Are they making progress?

  • Do they have friendships and a trusted adult?

  • Is there anything worrying them?

  • What additional help would make a difference?

Accessing the ePEP System

Walsall Virtual School is extending access to our electronic PEP system for eligible foster carers.

This will help carers participate more fully in the education planning process and understand the support being provided.

Carers will be required to attend a short training session before receiving access.

Contact Walsall Virtual School to find out more about ePEP training.

What Is Pupil Premium Plus?

Pupil Premium Plus is additional education funding intended to help eligible children in care and previously looked-after children overcome barriers to learning and achieve.

For children in care, the funding is managed by the Virtual School Head and agreed support should be linked to identified educational needs within the PEP.

For previously looked-after children, funding is allocated to schools and managed through their wider Pupil Premium arrangements.

Pupil Premium Plus is not a personal allowance and must be used appropriately to improve educational outcomes.

How Can You Help?

You can make a real difference by attending school meetings, celebrating progress, encouraging reading, talking positively about learning and letting the school know when difficulties arise.

Your contribution matters, and we want you to feel confident asking questions and seeking support.