Supporting the education of looked after children: the role of the virtual school head

Abstract

For many years, the education of looked after children in the UK was accorded low priority in care plans. Finally, in the 1980s, this complacency was interrupted when new research revealed shocking details about children’s poor educational attainments. Several initiatives sought to improve this situation and children’s education is now well established on the planning agenda and professional responsibilities have been strengthened. One such innovation is the creation of a virtual school head (VSH) in every local authority to oversee and direct each child’s education in the same way that ordinary heads do for the pupils in their schools. This article discusses the reasons for creating this role and charts the evolution of the relevant legislation and guidance. The author then provides a personal account of her experience as a VSH in an English local authority – fashioning the new role, the opportunities and challenges it affords and the successes and disappointments so far. The article ends with a young person’s account of her educational experiences while in care.