Keeping children safe

Children new to care

Here is a video for foster carers looking after a young person who is new to care. It explains how Sutton Virtual School will work in partnership with you to support the young person’s education. Please also read our New to care starter pack to accompany the video and explain the support on offer from […]

Children with SEND

Children and young people in care are up to four times more likely to have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) compared to those not in care. Foster carers can learn about the EHCP application process and SEND admissions by watching the videos below. Admissions for children with an EHCP Accessible screenings Did you know […]

Promoting attendance, engagement & progress

Language That Cares

Language That Cares: Using language and communication that supports our young people and understands their feelings Language is a powerful tool of communication and as professionals, we need to ensure that the language we use is understanding of care-experienced young people, particularly when writing reports like PEPs. Here are some useful suggestions from the TACT […]

Building Trauma Informed Schools Across Sutton

Launched in 2020, the Trauma and Attachment Programme by the Sutton Virtual School has made a real impact for Sutton’s children and young people, providing invaluable support to Sutton schools. The programme provides both “Universal” and “Targeted” support to schools, ensuring that staff are trauma informed and effectively supporting children and young people displaying difficulties […]

Designated Teacher ePEP requirements

Designated Teachers should click on the link https://secure.epeponline.co.uk/login when using ePEP for the first time and click the green button ‘CLICK HERE FOR FIRST TIME REGISTRATION’ to sign in. Designated Teachers must complete Section C, D and E of the ePEP in advance of the meeting to update the educational information related to the young person […]

PEP

1. What is a PEP All children looked-after (CLA) must have a care plan, of which the Personal Education Plan (PEP) is an integral part. The PEP (pre-school, to age 18) should be initiated as part of the care plan. A PEP meeting must take place each term for every Child Looked After. It is an evolving […]

Advice and Support for Professionals

We are here to provide professionals working with children and young people with a social worker advice and support to improve their educational outcomes. We are passionate about all children having the support and opportunity to fulfil their potential and strive to provide those working to support children who have, or had a social worker, […]

Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH)

Here are some services to support emotional well-being and mental health: Signposting: For mental health Off The Record (OTR): Sutton young people’s counselling service, which offers weekly drop-ins with no appointment needed, as well as the option of online counselling. Sign up on the off the record website ‘The Mix’: support for young people under 25 on […]

Children with a social worker

Our mission To promote the education of children who have, or have had a social worker (CWSW), so that children are more effectively supported to overcome educational barriers, make good progress and fulfil their educational potential. How do we promote the education of children with a social worker? Identifying and addressing barriers to education […]