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Information for Young People

I am a young person

Welcome to Nottingham City Virtual School. We are here to help. 

We hope you find this page answers your questions but if not please do get in touch: thevirtualschool@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

 

 

What is the virtual school?

Nottingham City Virtual School is a service made up of dedicated individuals to support the education of children in care and previously looked after children. Our mission is to champion your educational needs, helping you to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We work closely with you, your teachers, your social worker and other key people in your life. We all have one common goal: to help you achieve your very best!
We want all students to achieve their potential and for you to be in a position where you are able to gain employment and/or further education following year 11 and post 16 education.
All children in care have an allocated Education Support Officer who will work closely with you, your education setting and the important people around you to allow you to access additional educational support, if you should require it.

Your voice matters, and people should listen well.

Every term children in care have a meeting about their education to make an action plan (Personal Education Plans). A key part of it is asking your opinions and thoughts on what is going well, what you want to work on or change and what you want for your future. You are encouraged to come along in person but if that seems too much you can send in your views beforehand.

These meetings involve anyone looking after or working with you but typically include school/college, your social worker and your Virtual School Education Support Officer.

Your Independent Reviewing Officer

Your Independent Reviewing Officer will review your care plan with you and the people working with you.

For more information on the role of your IRO, click on the information booklet below:

Your Independent Reviewing Officer

If you are unhappy with any decisions that have been made regarding your care plan, you can speak to someone you trust, like your advocate. If you are still not happy you can make a complaint by following the link below:

YP Complaint Leaflet

Designated Teacher

Every educational setting must have an allocated 'Designated person'. They are responsible for making sure children in care and those who are previously looked after have the best education possible. They should make sure staff understand how to support you and should work with you to make adjustments if you are finding education challenging.

Social Worker

Children in care have a social worker who makes sure they are being well looked after. Their job is to help as much as possible and to listen to your wishes and work towards them as best they can. Your social worker will attend lots of meetings and will often need to share your thoughts so it is important to let them know what is going on.

Advocacy for Young People

The Children's Society Advocacy Service is an independent and confidential service in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire for children and young people who are looked after and living in lots of different places.

Advocacy for young people is based on the principle that all young people have a right to be involved in the decisions that affect their lives. The distinctive nature of advocacy is that it is led by the views and wishes of young people and always uses a child-centred approach. Advocates act on the permission and instructions of young people even when these are not the advocate's view of the young person's best interests.

If you are struggling, open up and talk to other people in person, on the phone or by text. You deserve help and support and it is out there for you in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. You can visit the NottAlone website for more information.

Here are some upcoming events and opportunities for children in care. For previously looked after or children with a social worker please scroll further down.
EVENTS SCROLLING IMAGES
The Virtual School also offer rewards for any children or young people in care who have made exceptional progress. This doesn't have to be in school. It is anything where you have overcome a challenge and shown amazing resilience. After a Personal Education Plan meeting you might be nominated for these awards and receive a certificate and voucher.

You can find resources on our padlet to support you with studying and games which support education. 

Hello and welcome. If you left care through adoption, on special guardianship or through a child arrangement order you might see the term 'previously looked after'. This phrase means all of the things above and helps us to provide the right information to you. 
The good news is that there is a lot of support here and in Nottingham City for you and we can help you find it. You can call or email us with any questions, and we will do our best to help or get you in contact with the right people.
You might want to get in touch with Adoption East Midlands to meet other young people with similar stories to you and to get involved in their workshops and events. 
Kinship also has events for young people and carers. This is for anyone who lives with a relative (not a birth parent) or close family friend. 

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